Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan

SCHEDULE

Issue Date Containing

No. 1 September 2005 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan

Copyright © Cork County Council 2006 – all rights reserved Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Licence number 2004/07CCMA/Cork County Council Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland copyright © Ordnance Survey Ireland, 2006 Printed on 100% Recycled Paper Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

FOREWORD

Note From The Mayor Note From The Manager

The Local Area Plan concept was introduced in the Planning and Development Act The adoption of these Local Area Plans follows an extensive process of public 2000 and this is the first time such plans have been prepared for County Cork. Each consultation with a broad range of interested individuals, groups and organisations in Electoral Area Local Area Plan sets out a detailed framework for the future the County who put forward their views and ideas on the future development of their development of the ten Electoral Areas over the next six years. The Local Area local area and how future challenges should be tackled. Plans are guided by the framework established by the County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) but have a local focus and address a broad range of pressures and We in the Council have built on these ideas and suggestions and local knowledge in needs facing each Electoral Area at this time. The Plans are the outcome of a formulating the Local Area Plans which establish a settlement network in every lengthy process of public consultation and engagement by the Elected Members of Electoral Area as a means of fostering and guiding future development and meeting Council. local needs. This has been achieved with the encouragement and expertise of our planners in the Planning Policy Section and with the support of the County Manager I wish to express my appreciation to the Mayor and Members of the Council: to the and his other officials. officials of the Council who worked on and contributed to the preparation of the Plans, and to the very large numbers of the general public who engaged in the consultation process and expressed their views. All have contributed to the The end result, I believe, is a series of locally focused Local Area Plans that set out a formulation of a series of Local Area Plans of which we can all be proud. clear and shared vision for the future development of each Electoral Area in the county. I am confident that the Plans will make an important contribution to the sustainable growth and development of the county into the future.

Cllr. Michael Creed Mayor of the County of Cork Maurice Moloney, Cork County Manager September 2005 September 2005

i Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

ii Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Contents

Blarney Electoral Area Section 5 Transport and Infrastructure 11. Killeens………………………………………... 78 5.1 Strategic Principles……………………………. 17 12. Knockraha……………………………………... 80 Local Area Plan 5.2 Transport……………………………………… 17 13. Upper Glanmire……………………………….. 84 September 2005 5.3 Water Supplies and Drainage Schemes……….. 18 14. Whitechurch…………………………………… 88 5.4 Waste Recovery and Recycling………………. 19 Section 1 Introduction to the Blarney Electoral Area 5.5 Energy and Communications…………………. 19 Village Nuclei……………………………………. 92 Local Area Plan 15. Berrings………………………………………... 93 1.1 Introduction…………………………………… 1 Section 6 Housing and Community Facilities 16. Cloghroe………………………………………. 96 1.2 Purpose of the Plan……………………………. 1 6.1 Strategic Principles……………………………. 21 17. Courtbrack…………………………………….. 98 1.3 The Process That Has Been Followed………... 1 6.2 Housing – Overall Approach…………………. 21 18. Dublin Pike……………………………………. 100 1.4 Main Settlements.……………………………... 1 6.3 Residential Densities Within Main Towns…… 21 19. Firmount……………………………………….. 102 1.5 The Form and Content of the Plan……………. 1 6.4 Residential Densities in Smaller Settlements…. 21 20. Matehy………………………………………… 104 6.5 Community Facilities…………………………. 21 21. Rathduff……………………………………….. 106 Section 2 Overall Strategy 2.1 Strategic Planning Context……………………. 3 Section 7 Environment and Heritage Other Locations………………………………….. 108 2.2 Settlement Strategy…………………………… 5 7.1 Strategic Principles……………………………. 23 22. Bottlehill (Landfill)……………………………. 109 2.3 Land Use and Zoning…………………………. 6 7.2 The Natural Environment……………………... 23 23. Clogheen………………………………………. 110 2.4 Green Belts Around Towns…………………… 7 7.3 Scenic Amenity, Views and Prospects……….. 23 24. Killard…………………………………………. 110 7.4 Built Environment…………………………….. 24 25. Inniscarra………………………………………. 110 7.5 Cultural Heritage……………………………… 24 26. Rathcooney……………………………………. 111 Section 3 Local Area Strategy 27. Templemichael………………………………… 112 3.1 The Blarney Electoral Area Strategy…………. 9 7.6 Archaeological Heritage………………………. 25 7.7 Landscape Assessment………………………... 25 28. Waterloo……………………………………….. 114 3.2 Growth and Development in the Blarney 29. Whites Cross…………………………………... 114 Electoral Area ………………………..……….. 9 7.8 Cork Harbour…………………………………. 27 3.3 Population Trends and Forecasts……………... 9 3.4 Distribution of Growth………………………... 9 Section 8 Settlements and Other Locations 3.5 Settlement Structure in the Blarney Main Settlements………………………………… 30 Electoral Area…………………………………. 9 1. Cork City – North Environs……………………33 3.6 Housing Land Supply…………………………. 10 2. Glanmire………………………………………. 39 3. Little Island……………………………………. 45 4. Tower………………………………………….. 49 Section 4 Employment and Economic Activity 4.1 Strategic Principles……………………………. 13 Key Villages……………………………………… 52 4.2 Agriculture……………………………………. 13 5. Carrignavar…………………………………….. 53 4.3 Industry and Enterprise……………………….. 13 6. Glenville……………………………………….. 56 4.4 Retail and Commerce…………………………. 13 7. Grenagh………………………………………... 60 4.5 Tourism……………………………………….. 14 4.6 Mineral Extraction……………………………. 14 Villages…………………………………………… 64 4.7 Forestry……………………………………….. 15 8. Dripsey………………………………………… 65 9. Glounthaune…………………………………… 72 10. Kerry Pike…………………………………….. 76

iii Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 ` Section 1: Introduction to the Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan

x Indicate the period for which it is to remain in force. the Council resolved to publish the proposed amendment that was published on 6th June 2005. 1.2.2. In the hierarchy of plans; locally, regionally and nationally, the local Section 1 area plans will complete the suite of plans which will give plan coverage to 1.3.2. A total of 184 submissions or observations were received in Introduction to the Blarney Electoral Area the entire county based on a framework designed to co-ordinate future response to the public consultation carried out regarding the proposed development and planning in a sustainable way. amendment and these submissions were addressed in the Manager’s Local Area Plan report under section 20 (3) (F) of the Planning and Development Acts Local Area Plan Principles (as amended), published in August 2005.

1.1 Introduction The Local Area Plans were founded on four main principles to ensure that 1.3.3. The final phase in preparing the Local Area Plan occurred at a the ten plans covering all the electoral areas in the county were done in a Council Meeting on the 5th and 6th September when the Members of 1.1.1. This local area plan was formally made by Cork County Council balanced and sustainable manner; the Council considered the Manager’s Report and voted to accept, at its meeting on the 6th September 2005. It was prepared in modify, and omit proposed changes and adopt the Local Area Plans accordance with the process as set out in the Planning and Development 1. Must be locally focused: Local Area Plans deal mainly with the and the Local Area Plans and Special Local Area Plans Enabling Act 2000 (as amended). It is a six year Local Area Plan for the Electoral smaller settlements, villages, village nuclei and the agricultural and Variation to the Cork County Development Plan 2003. Area that sets out, as concisely as possible, the planning policy for the coastal areas that surround them. They must not become an electoral area. attempt to re-make the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). 1.4 Main Settlements 1.1.2. In order to simplify the planning framework, the zoning maps and associated text for the 31 main settlements will no longer be found in the 2. Must be capable of being implemented: Local Area Plans should 1.4.1. In order to simplify the planning framework in the County, all be practical and only address things that are concerned with land Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), as these have been zoning maps and associated text is contained within the appropriate use planning. They cannot solve all local issues and problems. If moved to the appropriate Local Area Plan. Electoral Area Local Area Plan or Special Local Area Plan and not the they are too broad and aspirational they will have limited use and Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). From the adoption of 1.1.3. In the case of Midleton, Carrigtwohill and Blarney the maps and cannot be implemented. the Local Area Plans and Special Local Area Plans all land use zoning text from the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) is maps and associated text are now found in one document. superseded by the Special Local Area Plan (SLAP) for each of these 3. All local area plans have equal importance: Everyone’s local area settlements. is important to the people who live there. This applies to areas 1.4.2. To achieve this it was necessary to move the text and zoning under severe development pressure (e.g. in Metropolitan Cork) as maps for the 31 main settlements, including the main towns and 1.1.4. Subject to any interim variations that might be made by the well as to areas that are declining and have little development strategic industrial locations, contained in Volumes 3 and 4 of the Cork Council the Local Area Plan will remain in force until late 2011. activity (e.g. in parts of North-West Cork). Initial preparation work County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) to the appropriate Local can commence on all areas at the same time, but as some areas Area Plan. As part of the move there have been a series of minor are more complex they may not all be completed at the same time. changes made to the text to reflect the move to the Local Area Plan 1.2 Purpose of the Plan format and to update some of the information included in the text from 4. Must have an efficient and carefully managed consultation the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). 1.2.1. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) sets out process: Preliminary consultation must be carefully targeted at key stakeholder bodies and organisations. This will ensure that the the matters that must be included in a Local Area Plan. Consideration 1.4.3. In the case of the towns of Midleton, Carigtwohill and Blarney plans can be drawn up efficiently and that the later consultation will can only be given to matters that relate to the proper planning and the maps and text have been removed from the Cork County be more meaningful to local people and ultimately more effective. sustainable development of the county. In summary, the statutory Development Plan 2003 (as varied). Three Special Local Area Plans, requirements are that the Plan must: including new zoning maps and text for each of these settlements, have been prepared. x Be consistent with the objectives of the development plan; 1.3 The Process That Has Been Followed

x Consist of a written statement and a plan or plans which may 1.3.1. After a lengthy period of informal consultations during 2004, the 1.5 The Form and Content of the Plan include objectives for the zoning of land for the use solely or process of preparing the Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan primarily of particular areas for particular purposes, or commenced formally on 10th January 2005 when the notice of the County 1.5.1. This plan consists of a single document that includes both a Council’s intention to prepare the plan was advertised and the Public written statement and relevant illustrative material including maps and x Such other objectives in such detail as may be determined by the Consultation Draft Plan was published. A total of 216 submissions were plans. Following this introductory section, there are a number of planning authority for the proper planning and sustainable received that were relevant to the draft plan. Having considered the sections that follow. These are: development of the area to which it applies including detail on Manager’s Report under section 20 (3) (C), of the Planning and community facilities and amenities and on standards for the Development Acts (as amended), in April 2005, the elected Members of design of developments and structures.

1 Section 1: Introduction to the Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Section 1: Introduction: This section outlines the local area plan process.

Section 2: Overall Strategy: This section assesses the overall development strategy for the Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan outlining the plans and publications that have informed the Local Area Plan process, the settlement strategy for the electoral area, and covers the topices of land use and zoning, and the Green Belts around towns.

Section 3: Local Area Strategy: This section sets out the growth and population forecasts and the settlement structure in the Electoral Area. This section also looks at the key issues of distribution of population growth, the settlement structure and housing land supply.

Section 4: Employment and Economic Activity: This section sets out the principles underlining the policies on Employment and Economic Activity in the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). It also looks at the key economic sectors of agriculture, industry/enterprise, retail & commerce, tourism, mineral extraction and forestry.

Section 5: Transport and Infrastructure: This section assesses transport and infrastructure and, in the context of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), sets out a strategy for transport, water supplies & drainages schemes, waste recovery & recycling, and energy & communications.

Section 6: Housing and Community Facilities: This section outlines the overall approach to housing in the area and also assesses community facilities.

Section 7: Environment and Heritage: This section describes designations made in accordance with national legislation to protect our environment and heritage. It looks at the natural environment, the built environment, cultural heritage and archaeological heritage.

Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations: This section gives a description of the settlements in the electoral area along with the issues for the individual settlements and the planning proposals suggested to develop the settlements in the future. It also includes a diagram of the electoral area, a number of specific objectives and the settlement zoning maps.

2 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 2: Overall Strategy

x Ready Steady Play – A National Play Policy (National Children’s and the development of selected towns and villages outside the Office) gateways and hubs to achieve critical mass in population, employment and services so that they can act as service centres for their rural Section 2 x Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development hinterland. Overall Strategy (RAPID) – DoEHLG 2002 The Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social & Cultural Development of County Cork, 2002 – 2011 2.1 Strategic Planning Context x Ceantair Laga Ard Riachtanais (CLÁR - DoEHLG 2000) 2.1.8. The County Development Board strategy identifies key x The Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 – 2020 challenges facing County Cork and sets out a detailed programme to With the enactment of the Planning and Development Act 2000, 2.1.1. address these issues and challenges. The Strategy seeks to improve Local Area Plans (LAPs) were placed on a statutory footing. The Local x The North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 – 2020 the potential of all areas of the County - to ensure balanced, Area Plans must be consistent with the overall policies of the County sustainable development through investment in infrastructure, job Development Plan. The Local Area Plans are informed by the policies x The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) creation, education, and social and cultural activities. The goals and objectives of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), identified will be achieved by the following actions: the North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 - 2020 and the Cork Area The National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 Strategic Plan 2001 - 2020. Three Special LAPs have been adopted that x Provide effective infrastructure, to support sustainable promote the Cork Suburban Rail Network - concentrating on 2.1.3. The National Development Plan involves the investment of public, development in County Cork; development near the railway stations in Carrigtwohill and Midleton and private and EU funds over the period 2000-2006. The Plan is concerned the rail corridor between the city boundary at Kilbarry and the village of with health services, social housing, education, roads, public transport, x A widespread distribution of employment opportunities and Blarney. rural development, industry, water and waste services, childcare and local economic growth, development. 2.1.2. There is a long list of plans and publications which inform the x Improve the quality of life for all; content of the LAPs and some of these include; The National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020 x Provide equal access and opportunity to education and training; x The National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 2.1.4. The National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020 (NSS), is designed to co-ordinate future development and planning in Ireland over the next 20 x Raise education attainment levels. x The National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020 years, in a sustainable way. The intention is to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development, and population growth x The Regional Planning Guidelines 2004 Sustainable Rural Housing – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, between regions. The NSS is intended to open up new opportunities for April 2005 everyone by bringing people, services and jobs closer together. The NSS x The Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social & Cultural has designated Cork City as a national gateway with Mallow supporting it 2.1.9. These guidelines, published by the Department of Environment, Development of County Cork, 2002 - 2011 (County Development as a hub. Heritage & Local Government in April 2005, differentiate between urban Board) and rural generated housing and the variety of different areas in any 2.1.5. The NSS endorses CASP as the basis for guiding development in county that both types impact upon. The document reinforces the main x Sustainable Rural Housing – Guidelines for Planning Authorities Cork and the surrounding areas and sees it’s full implementation as an principles of the National Spatial Strategy in this regard. Reference is (DoEHLG 2005) important contributory step in realising the Government’s objective for made throughout the document to contrasts in development trends balanced regional development. between rural depopulation in some areas and strong pressure for x Cork Rural Design Guide (Cork County Council 2003) development in rural areas close to urban centres. The guidelines state 2.1.6. The NSS proposes that towns such as Carrigaline, Cobh, Midleton that tailored settlement policies should be included in development x Retail Strategy March 2004 – Variation to the Cork County and Youghal be promoted as self-sustaining towns which will benefit from plans. Other sections of the guidelines focus on more practical/technical Development Plan 2003. proximity to Cork City and build up their employment and service functions issues in the assessment of planning applications from both through the implementation of CASP, in particular through enhancing their engineering & environmental/heritage perspectives. x Joint Housing Strategy – Cork Planning Authorities, November road, rail and bus links to Cork City. 2001. Cork Rural Design Guide x Cork Recreational Needs Report (1999) The Regional Planning Guidelines, May 2004 2.1.10. This guide, produced by Cork County Council’s Planning and x The Recreation, Amenity and Cultural Policy for South Cork 2.1.7. The Regional Guidelines support the NSS and CASP objectives Architectural Departments in association with planning and architectural Hinterland Division (July 2002) including the development of the hubs and gateways, an integrated consultants, has been a major success. The guide is intended to make transport system, educational, health, recreational and cultural facilities. It it easier to gain planning permission for those proposing to build, promotes the objectives of integrated land use and infrastructure provision renovate or extend individual houses in rural County Cork.

3 Section 2: Overall Strategy Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Retail Strategy March 2004 RAPID achieving a more sustainable population pattern. The Plan envisages that in reversing population loss and rural decline, the in-migration of The retail strategy prepared jointly with Cork City Council, as The RAPID programme is about prioritising in a coherent targeted 2.1.11. 2.1.16. young adults is critical to the areas’ future wellbeing. Highlighting the required by the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities, has and accelerated way, new and improved services and infrastructural challenge in combating the spatial shift towards towns and cities, the been incorporated into the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as investment to the communities living in RAPID areas. Under Strand 2, the plan calls for actions which: varied). The role of the strategy is to provide guidance for planning provincial towns strand, the towns of Mallow and Youghal have been authorities when determining planning applications for retail selected. x Raise the productive potential of the economy; development. At the heart of the strategy is a hierarchy of retail locations that forms the basis for determining the quantum and location of new CLÁR x Optimise spatial development patterns as an essential retail development. requirement for infrastructure development; 2.1.17. CLÁR is an investment programme launched to address rural Joint Housing Strategy areas of special disadvantage. The scheme facilitates development and, if x Improve access and communications and increases necessary, provides supplemental funding to Government Departments infrastructure provision and resources; 2.1.12. Cork County Council, in conjunction with Cork City Council and and State Agencies to assist in accelerating investment in selected priority the nine Town Councils in the county produced a Joint Housing Strategy development. x Incorporate environmental sustainability; to address the housing needs of the existing and future population of Cork to 2011. The policies and objectives of the strategy are enshrined in Cork Area Strategic Plan x Promote access to social, recreational and cultural facilities; the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). and 2.1.18. In County Cork, the County Council and City Council jointly x Cork Recreational Needs Report (1999) adopted the Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 – 2020 (CASP), a 20 year Contain effective implementation procedures. strategic plan for the City and its suburbs, the surrounding satellite towns 2.1.13. The Cork Recreational Needs Study was undertaken for both and the harbour area, and a wide rural area stretching out to the ring towns 2.1.20. A key spatial development measure recommended by the Cork City Council and Cork County Council in 1997 – 1998. The study of Kinsale, Bandon, Macroom, Mallow, Fermoy and Youghal. The CASP N&WCSP is to support and enable a significant increase in settlement area was confined to the city and its environs. The resultant report also introduces the concept of ‘Metropolitan Cork’ (comprising the city and populations across the area. In order to achieve the plan’s target of recommended that development plan policies be aimed at retaining and suburbs, satellite towns, strategic industrial areas and villages) to be doubling the number of households in towns and villages between 2002 enhancing sports facilities, standards of provision should be defined for promoted as a single unified growth and development entity. The Blarney and 2020, it will be necessary to prioritise development within towns each sport, management and maintenance of facilities should be Electoral Area is included entirely within the CASP area. and villages. The strategy recommends that 50% and 30% of all new considered by the local authorities and a more detailed survey of existing houses would be in towns and villages respectively. playing pitches be undertaken. Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) The Recreation, Amenity and Cultural Policy for South Cork Hinterland Division (July 2002) 2.1.21. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) was adopted in January 2003 and provides the framework for development 2.1.14. This document provides information on the extent of and and planning in the county for the next six years. The county requirement for leisure facilities that can generally be applied to the development plan took its guidance from the 20 year strategy provided county as a whole. It recommends a policy approach to the management in CASP and the N&WCSP (for the remainder of the county outside the and use of existing facilities and a format for the provision of facilities in CASP area). The local area plans will be informed by the County association with proposals for new residential development. Development Plan, which sets out policies and objectives for the planning of local areas. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as Ready Steady Play – A National Play Policy (National Children’s varied) has a vision for the County that is based on four strategic goals, Office) as follows:

2.1.15. This document incorporates objectives and actions to be x Enhanced quality of life for all - based on high-quality delivered by Local Authorities to ensure that children’s play needs are residential, working and recreational environments, and met through the development of a child friendly environment. sustainable transportation patterns. North and West Cork Strategic Plan x 2.1.19. The North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 to 2020 Sustainable patterns of growth in urban and rural areas that are (N&WCSP) focuses on areas of County Cork outside of the Cork Area well balanced throughout the County, together with efficient Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001 – 2020 study area. The document recognises provision of social and physical infrastructure. that the greatest threat to the area lies in the continuous decline of population, with the population profile combining to mitigate against

4 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 2: Overall Strategy

x Sustainable and balanced economic investment, together with programmes for which the first formal preparatory action is taken on or 2.2.4. One of the most important functions of all settlements, small or wise management of the County’s environmental and cultural after 21st of July 2004. The preparation of the local area plans and special large, is that they encourage efficiency in the provision of services to assets. local area plans had commenced before the 21st of July, 2004 and those living in the hinterland of the settlement. A single journey to a therefore the Directive and subsequent ‘Guidelines for Regional Authorities settlement, usually, gives access to more than one service or facility. x Responsible guardianship of the County, so that it can be and Planning Authorities’ (2004) issued by The Department of the Also, businesses that locate close together often benefit from stronger handed on to future generations in a healthy state. Environment, Heritage & Local Government do not apply. customer bases and larger employment markets.

Local Area Plans 2.2.5. The development of the lands closest to the town/village centre 2.2 Settlement Strategy should be undertaken first in order to ensure the orderly development of 2.1.22. The Local Area Plan process is the final stage in the housing and other uses along with the sanitary, roads and community preparation of development plans, which will give countywide coverage of infrastructure. plans from the strategic to detailed local level. Strategic Principles 2.2.6. The settlement network is made up of five main components: 2.2.1. The settlement policy of this plan (see chapter 3 of Volume 1 of the 2.1.23. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) set out in Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied)) is based, at a strategic Chapter 10 of the plan, the approach to development at the local level. x 31 Main Settlements level, on the following important planning principles: The County Development Plan proposed a set of key requirements; x Key Villages x A strong network of settlements is important for sustaining healthy x A fully integrated set of Local Area Plans, covering the entire population levels and for enhancing quality of life. Also, the county, should be prepared in order to bring forward the policies x Villages functional relationships between the different types of settlements of the County Development Plan at a local level and at the should be clearly understood; appropriate level of detail; x Village Nuclei x Urban sprawl on the edges of the City (and on the edges of towns) x Local Area Plans should recognise the important x Other Locations should be prevented and a character distinction between the built- interrelationships that exist at local level between towns and the up areas and the open countryside should be maintained; surrounding rural areas (including villages and open 2.2.7. The main settlements include the main towns and strategic countryside). Local Area Plans should address both urban and industrial areas. The Main Towns include the city suburbs, satellite x Existing communities in rural areas should be supported and their rural local issues; towns, ring towns, county towns and other urban development nodes. local housing needs should be accommodated. The special land These locations provide a population and employment counterbalance use requirements of primarily agricultural areas and the open x Local Area Plans should be based largely on established area to Cork City and act as the primary focus for providing services to the countryside should also be accommodated; boundaries. Where important social, environmental and more rural parts of the County. The Strategic Industrial Areas have a economic links exist that cross these boundaries, mechanisms vital role in the industrial development and economic and employment x Large numbers of dispersed, urban-generated houses in rural for joint working should be developed; activity of the entire sub region and beyond. areas can have a detrimental effect on the long-run viability of individual settlements. They can also be unsustainable in terms of x Local Area Plans should take account of established local 2.2.8. The focus of these Local Area Plans are the Key Villages, transport patterns and the provision of services and infrastructure. development initiatives in each area and be developed through Villages, Village Nuclei and Other Locations. consultation with local bodies and individuals; Settlement Network 2.2.9. The most important settlements in this structure are likely to be x Three Special Local Area Plans will be completed for the those that already have a good range of services and facilities. It is 2.2.2. The overall aim of the Electoral Area Local Area Plans is to focus Blarney-Kilbarry, Carrigtwohill and Midleton areas. These will suggested that such settlements are called Key Villages. They are on the planning requirements of the rural areas, including the villages, address the planning issues faced in the Blarney – Midleton rail likely to be located where they serve a significant hinterland and in outside of the main settlements. The network of settlements set out in the corridor. It is also an objective to prepare a Special Local Area locations where they act as the primary location for investment in following paragraphs has been developed, taking account of the existing Plan with Mallow Town Council that will take account of the housing, transport, employment, education, shopping, health facilities distribution of social and economic infrastructure, so as to encourage new towns “hub” status arising from the National Spatial Strategy. and community services. The key villages will serve as rural service investment in locations that offer improved accessibility to essential centres for their hinterlands. services for the rural areas as a whole. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) 2.2.10. This strategy of supporting rural settlements is, therefore, 2.2.3. The NSS policy on the location of development recognises that The Planning and Development Acts require planning authorities to based on the identification of a settlements network, with a hierarchy of there is a strong relationship between settlement size and the levels of include in their plans information on ‘the likely significant effects on the services so that investment in housing, transport, employment, service that can be supported. It also states that accessibility to a wider environment of implementing the plan’. This requirement was in education, shopping, health facilities and community services can be range of services can be improved by the provision of good quality roads, anticipation of the implementation of the EU Strategic Environmental focused on those locations that provide the best pattern of accessibility public transport, information about services and appropriate provision of Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC) that applies to all plans or for those living outside the main towns. outreach services.

5 Section 2: Overall Strategy Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

2.2.11. The settlement network will also includes Villages which are x Convenience shop / pub / petrol filling station / Post office 2.3.2. The following are therefore objectives of this Local Area Plan; settlements that provide a range of services to a local area but the range of services are not as broad as those provided by the key villagers. x Mains water / group scheme Development Boundaries For any settlement, it is an objective to locate new are settlements where a minimal range of x Permanently resident population 2.2.12. Village Nuclei DB 1-1 development within the development boundary that services are provided supplying a very local need. defines the extent to which the settlement is expected x Primary school to grow during the lifetime of the plan. 2.2.13. Where a large part of the rural area is not already served by a x key village or rural service centre, it may be considered appropriate to Public transport (Metropolitan area) Housing Strategy Provisions within Development designate a less well developed settlement to this category so that, over Boundaries the life time of the plan, it will act as a focus for new investment and lead x Employment opportunities to an improvement in the service levels available. Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as x Sports facility amended) applies to land zoned in the plan for 2.2.14. Settlements designated as Key Villages will normally have the residential or mixed uses (including residential). All DB 1-2 following facilities: 2.2.16. Settlements designated as Village Nuclei will normally have the land within a development boundary, that is not following facilities: subject to a specific zoning objective (including land x Permanently resident population that is subject to a general zoning objective), is x Either a convenience shop, pub, post office, primary school, deemed to be zoned for residential or mixed uses x Primary school and / or secondary school church, other community facility (including residential) for the purposes of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). x Church or other community facility x May have mains water / group scheme Reserved Land for Social and Affordable Housing x Convenience shops, pubs and either comparison shops or other x Permanently resident population a. For any settlement, it is a general objective that retail services 2.2.17. The local area plans support the enhancement of services listed 20% of all new residential developments, be reserved for social and affordable housing. x Industrial or office based employment above in the various settlements and the provision of additional services in appropriate locations. DB 1-3 b. The Housing Strategy requires that one quarter of x Post Office/ bank / ATM / building society the reserved lands shall be allocated to social 2.2.18. Other Locations may be identified in the LAPs, such as places housing and three quarters of the reserved lands x Garda station like holiday resorts, areas of individual houses in the green belt or other shall be allocated to affordable housing. This locations and places that do not have the level of service or permanent objective should be read in conjunction with objective x Primary healthcare facilities (GP doctor / pharmacy) housing, for example, to warrant inclusion as a village nucleus. These HOU 3-1 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 “other” locations do not normally have the type or range of services that (as varied). x Sports facility village nuclei, villages and key villages have. Land Uses in established areas x Mains sewerage 2.3 Land Use and Zoning 2.3.3. Within all settlements throughout the electoral area, it is an x Mains water objective, normally, to encourage development that supports the primary land use of the surrounding established area. Development x Public transport Development Boundaries that does not support, or threatens the vitality of, the primary use of these established areas will be resisted. x Served by a regional road 2.3.1. The Local Area Plans provide detailed zoning maps and specific objectives for the development of each parcel of zoned land in each Land Uses in New Areas x Traffic calming / management scheme / off street car parking Electoral Area. The zoning maps also indicate a “Development Boundary” for each settlement, which defines the extent to which the built up area 2.3.4. The aim of zoning objectives in relation to new areas is to x Bring site/recycling facilities could grow during the lifetime of the plan. Within these development provide a framework that will guide their development from the very boundaries where there are no specific objectives for zoned land, there are beginning. In zoning new land for development, the intention is to foster 2.2.15. Settlements designated as Villages will normally have the general objectives for the general development intention of the land. The the natural growth of our settlements by encouraging related following facilities: provisions of the Housing Strategy will apply to all land that is developed developments to form sensible spatial groupings. By encouraging a for residential or mixed uses (including residential) purposes within these sensible mix of uses and avoiding excessive homogeneous x Church or other community facility development boundaries. development, these areas should be more lively and sustainable

6 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 2: Overall Strategy

reflecting the character of many of the existing areas within our around the main towns. In Section 3.2.13, it refers to the local area plans Housing in Rural Locations settlements. as being the most appropriate instrument for addressing this issue. 2.4.5. The demand for the building of individual houses in rural locations continues at a high level and whilst it is recognised that this 2.3.5. The following are therefore objectives of this Local Area Plan; 2.4.2. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) outlines the planning principles of a Green Belt as including some or all of the type of development is an important part of the overall provision of new following:- housing there are concerns that, in the longer term, unless steps are Land Use Zoning taken to encourage a greater proportion of this development to take x Maintenance of distinction in character between the town or city and its place near established settlements, particularly the main towns, then It is an objective to ensure that development, during serious difficulties will arise in providing the services to such a LU 1-1 hinterland by the prevention of unrestricted sprawl of urban areas into the lifetime of this plan, proceeds in accordance with the countryside; dispersed population. the general land use objectives set out in this plan and any specific zoning objectives that apply to particular 2.4.6. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), for the areas as set out in the plan. x Prevention of individual settlements merging into one another whether through inappropriate zoning for development or through loose first time, designated land within the development boundaries of the controls on dispersed “one-off” developments; main towns, often close to the edge of their built up areas, where Specific Zoning Objectives although the intention is that the area as a whole should remain x To focus attention on lands within settlements which are zoned for predominantly rural and open in character with generally no linear The specific zoning objectives for land in the development and likely to contribute to the regeneration of areas; roadside frontage development, the potential of the area to LU 1-2 settlements in the county, together with the accommodate some housing is acknowledged. development boundaries for these settlements, are as x Provision of a source of recreation and amenity and to allow for open set out in the text accompanying the settlement maps countryside to be within easy reach of most built-up areas; 2.4.7. Even in the areas which are experiencing the highest pressure in this plan. for growth, although urban-generated housing should be resisted, x Retention of land in agriculture, forestry or other uses, which would provision must also be made to sustain communities by allowing people otherwise be susceptible to inappropriate development. to build in their local area on suitable sites. This is expressly stated in objective SPL 3-6 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as Zoning on Other Lands 2.4.3. In order to achieve the principles, the Cork County Development varied), where the Plan clearly recognises the importance to rural Plan 2003 (as varied) recognises that it is beneficial for smaller towns to people of family ties and ties to a local area such as a parish, townland 2.3.6. Where no explicit zoning has been ascribed to lands outside of have reasonably strict controls in their immediate hinterland, as these are or the catchment of a rural school. These relaxations of settlement development boundaries, either in this Local Area Plan or the Cork generally the areas, which are experiencing the highest levels of pressure policy afford local people with genuine connections to the area, the County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), the existing use of the land for development. Such areas are referred to as “rural areas under strong opportunity to live and/or work in the area in which they were brought shall be the current use of the lands as long as that use is authorised. urban influences” in the recent Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing, up. Promoting exceptions such as this in areas of planning controls The following is therefore an objective of this Local Area Plan; issued by the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government – allows local people to have access to suitable sites that otherwise might April 2005. Both this document and the National Spatial Strategy refer to be much less affordable if they had to compete with potential buyers contrasts in development trends between rural depopulation in some areas from outside the area. and strong pressure for development of housing in rural areas close to Zoning Objectives For Other Lands urban centres and it also states that tailored settlement policies are 2.4.8. It is also important to retain land in agricultural use and avoid therefore required in the development plan process. The Cork County conflict between residential use and farming practices. Where lands have not been explicitly zoned, the Development Plan 2003 (as varied) addresses this issue of varying LU 1-3 specific zoning shall be deemed to be that of the degrees of pressure for development by using different policies for areas 2.4.9. In addition, the Green Belt directs growth in particular directions existing use of the lands (if such a use is not an under pressure (such as the Rural Housing Control Zone and the and reserves land within the Green Belt area for the longer term future unauthorised use under the Planning Acts) or, if such Metropolitan Cork Green Belt) and areas suffering depopulation. expansion of the town. a use is unauthorised, that of the most recent authorised use of the lands. 2.4.4. It is important to recognise that planning controls do not Green Belts around the Ring and County Towns necessarily have a negative effect on established rural communities and in 2.4.10. The Local Area Plans define green belts around the main 2.4 Green Belts Around Towns many respects play a positive role in the sustainable development of an area. The existence of this kind of control around towns has helped towns in the county and replace the former rural housing control zones encourage redevelopment within the towns and in the villages and smaller of the 1996 County Development Plan. Background settlements of the area. 2.4.11. The physical extent of the area of each of the new Green 2.4.1. The County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) makes reference Belts is in most cases substantially less than the area to which housing to the need for more precise objectives relating to the issue of green belts controls applied in the 1996 Development Plan and is based on;

7 Section 2: Overall Strategy Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

x The visual setting of the town; In some parts of the Green Belts established in this plan it will be possible to accommodate limited x The main approach routes; numbers of individual houses in an appropriate rural x The need to maintain strategic gaps with other settlements; setting providing: x x Areas of designated landscape importance; and The character of the area as a whole will remain predominantly rural and open; x Areas of known nature conservation value. GB 1-2 x Proposals will not cause linear roadside 2.4.12. Within this area, the land is generally reserved for agriculture, frontage development (ribbon development) open space or recreation uses and exceptions to this will only be allowed and; to accommodate the individual housing needs of an individual who wises x to live and/or work in the area in which they were brought up. The proposal is consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the 2.4.13. However, in a further attempt to provide for those aspiring to area. build individual houses, the capacity of some areas within the proposed Green Belts to accommodate a limited number of individual houses is recognised. The aim is to provide a realistic alternative to building individual houses in the countryside, in locations rural in character but 2.4.16. In the Blarney Electoral Area, within the Metropolitan Green Belt close to towns to ease the pressure to provide or enhance services in of Cork, established by the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), there are no towns subject to a new green belt. relatively remote rural areas. The intention is, where possible, to give favourable consideration to proposals for individual houses in an appropriate setting rather than to encourage the development of low density suburbs or satellite settlements.

2.4.14. Those intending to build houses within the Green Belts around the ring and county towns are advised to consult the Cork Rural Design Guide for advice on site choice, design, and landscaping at an early stage in their preparations.

2.4.15. So that the proposed Green Belts are effective, the limitations on housing proposed will need to be applied in accordance with the terms in which the objective for them is expressed. The following are therefore objectives of this Local Area Plan;

Green Belts Around the Ring and County Towns (a) It is an objective to establish green belts around the main towns in each electoral area, with strict controls on urban generated housing in the areas that are under most pressure for development. The green belts are shown on detailed maps.

GB 1-1 (b) It is an objective to discourage strongly new individual housing from being located within the green belts around the main towns in each electoral area (except within established villages or village nuclei). This restriction is relaxed in principle for local rural housing needs in accordance with objective SPL 3-6 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied).

8 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 3: Local Area Strategy

Plans, which focus major growth in settlements such as Carrigtwohill and 3.4.2. The planning principles of most relevance to the Blarney Midleton, and along the rail corridor to the north of the City between Electoral Area include: Kilbarry and Blarney. Section 3 x Concentrate development towards the north and east rail Local Area Strategy 3.2.3. The Blarney Electoral Area accounts for a proportion of the growth corridor, with continued consolidation of the settlements to the envisaged for the area to the north and northeast of the City. The Cork south and west of Cork City; County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) has made provision for the 3.1 The Blarney Electoral Area Strategy majority of this population growth, to be located within the main settlements x Access to key public services including public transport; of Blarney, Glanmire, Tower, Little Island and Cork City North Environs. Outside of the main settlements, the local area plan for the Blarney x Protection of the Metropolitan Green Belt. Context Electoral Area makes provision for the growth envisaged for the smaller settlements and agricultural areas. 3.4.3. Of the overall estimated growth figure of 3,330 additional 3.1.1. The Blarney Electoral Area comprises an area of approximately households between 2002 and 2011, approximately 2,820 could be 443 sq km. It is located to the north and west of Cork City and stretches accommodated in the smaller settlements and agricultural areas. east to the northern shore of Lough Mahon, including the northern 3.3 Population Trends and Forecasts environs of the City, the satellite towns of Glanmire, Blarney and Tower and the strategic industrial location of Little Island. The County In recent years the population of the Blarney Electoral Area has Development Plan 2003 (as varied) has designated a number of scenic 3.3.1. Estimated Growth Smaller Towns, increased dramatically. The census of population for the area in 2002 was routes and special landscape areas in the electoral area. 2002 to 2011 Main Settlements Villages and TOTAL 38,069 people in 11,508 households. This represents a significant increase (households) agricultural areas 3.1.2. Most of the Electoral Area falls within Metropolitan Cork, a wider over the 1996 census which recorded a population of 27,168 in 8,471 area defined in the Cork Area Strategic Plan that includes the City and households. Blarney Electoral 510 (5 towns) 2,820 * 3,330 it’s satellite towns. Outside the built up areas, the Cork County Area Development Plan 2003 (as varied), has established a Green Belt for 3.3.2. This plan is concerned with the proportion of the 20-year (2000- Metropolitan Cork where land is generally reserved for agriculture, open 2020) growth forecast by CASP that might occur between the 2002 census * This figure includes growth dealt with in the Blarney-Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan space or recreation uses. The greatest degree of protection is given to and 2011. If development is to proceed in line with the recommendations of those prominent open hill tops, valley sides and ridges that define the CASP, then this growth figure is equivalent to an additional 3,330 character of Cork and those areas that form strategic, largely households in the Electoral Area as a whole by 2011. An estimate of the 3.5 Settlement Structure in the Blarney Electoral undeveloped gaps between the main green belt settlements. possible population of the Blarney Electoral Area in 2011 is obtained by Area adding these figures to the 2002 census results. This is set out in the table 3.1.3. The major focus of the future development within the Electoral below; 3.5.1. In the Blarney Electoral Area, the settlement structure is Area will be the Main Towns. The Blarney to Kilbarry rail corridor, characterised by a number of large urban areas, including the Cork City including the proposal for a new settlement at Monard, is the subject of a North Environs, the satellite towns of Blarney, Tower and Glanmire and Special Local Area Plan, which has been adopted in tandem with these a Strategic Industrial Area at Little Island. Blarney Growth 2002 Local Area Plans. The Special Local Area Plan sets out the development 1991 1996 2002 2011 Electoral to 2011 framework for the area up to 2020. Census Census Census Forecast 3.5.2. For the purposes of this Electoral Area Local Area Plan the Area (Estimated) strategic aims and zoning objectives for these main settlements have been carried forward from the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as 3.2 Growth and Development in the Blarney Electoral Population 29,262 27,168 38,069 44,514 6,445 varied). Area Households 7,434 8,471 11,508 14,838 3,330 3.5.3. In the case of the main settlements of Midleton and Carrigtwohill, the Special Local Area Plans supersede the content of the 3.2.1. The overall strategy for the Blarney Electoral Area is largely determined by the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) and Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). the medium term recommendations of the Cork Area Strategic Plan 3.4 Distribution of Growth 3.5.4. This Local Area Plan establishes a settlement network for the (CASP). Blarney Electoral Area, for the settlements other than the main towns. The Local Area Plan for the Blarney Electoral Area is mainly These settlements are referred to as “Key Villages”, “Villages” and 3.2.2. The strategy envisaged in CASP promotes a gradual, but steady 3.4.1. shift in development towards the north and east rail corridor, with concerned with the growth envisaged for the smaller settlements and “Village Nuclei”. Key Villages generally serve large rural hinterlands continued consolidation of the settlements to the south and west of Cork agricultural areas. This Local Area Plan seeks to distribute this remaining and have a good range of services and facilities, including employment City. This has been reflected in the objectives of the Cork County growth, based on the principles of the Cork Area Strategic Plan and the opportunities and access to public transport. Over the life of this Local Development Plan 2003 (as varied), and the three Special Local Area Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). Area Plan, these key villages will act as the primary focus for

9 Section 3: Local Area Strategy Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

investment in housing, transport, employment, education, shopping, Settlement Type Strategic Aims Settlement Type Strategic Aims health facilities and community services. Tower – Consolidation of the settlement OTHER AREAS 3.5.5. Villages generally do not have the range of services and within its distinctive green belt setting. Clogheen employment opportunities found in key villages, however they will often Improvement of community and residential Killard Identify and establish other locations, as provide a number of important services and facilities, such as primary amenities. Inniscarra areas which may not form a significant part schools, shops, recreation or sports facilities and will sometimes have Waterloo of the settlement network, but do perform Whites Cross access to public transport. Over the life of this Local Area Plan, these Strategic Industrial Areas important functions with regard to tourism, Rathcooney heritage, recreation and other uses. villages will form an important component of the settlement network, Templemichael including accommodating significant amounts of growth and providing Little Island – Re-affirmation as a strategic industrial location, promotion of its potential important services and facilities to larger rural hinterlands. for strategic distribution and logistics development. Limited expansion of its 3.5.6. Village Nuclei generally have one or more existing community or residential role while improving amenities of other local facility. These nuclei will form an important component of the existing residential areas. 3.5.9. Outside the main settlements and villages, the County settlement network, by providing a basic level of services and by Development Plan 2003 (as varied) establishes a number of policy accommodating a certain amount of growth over the life of the Local Area areas, including the Metropolitan Green Belt, the Rural Housing Control Plan. Zone, Coastal Areas and Green Belts around the main settlements. Establish key villages as the primary focus Although in each case there are certain exceptions, the effect of both 3.5.7. There are Other Locations within the Blarney Electoral Area, for the development of rural areas and the will be to apply relatively restrictive controls on the circumstances in KEY VILLAGES provision of local services, by encouraging which may not form a significant part of the settlement network, however, which planning permission will be granted for new housing in the Carrignavar and facilitating population growth, by these locations can often function as important areas for tourism, Glenville supporting the retention and improvement agricultural areas. Whilst it may be appropriate to make some heritage, recreation and other uses. These Other Locations are outlined Grenagh of key facilities, including infrastructure and allowance for the quantity of housing likely to be built in agricultural in Section 8. public transport. areas, the controls that exist within the Metropolitan Green Belt, the Rural Housing Control Zone and other control areas, will need to be 3.5.8. The table below outlines the settlement network for the Blarney reflected in any allowance made. Electoral Area, and summarises the Strategic aims for each of the settlements: VILLAGES 3.6 Housing Land Supply

Dripsey (Model Village) Encourage and facilitate population growth, Upper Dripsey 3.6.1. When assessing the sufficiency of zoned lands, the Cork Settlement Type Strategic Aims Glounthaune and support the retention and improvement Kerry Pike of key facilities within villages, including the County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), ensured that enough land Killeens provision of infrastructure and public was zoned to cater for the projected growth, not only for the County as City Suburbs Knockraha Whitechurch transport. a whole, but also within the Metropolitan Cork Area. If Metropolitan Cork City-North Environs – Consolidation Upper Glanmire Cork is to continue as the engine driving the future economic growth of of the northern suburbs, promotion of the region as a whole, it is important that at no stage should a shortage residential, community and recreational of housing land be permitted to restrain the regions’ natural economic facilities; targeted expansion of residential growth rate. MAIN TOWNS areas subject to identification 3.6.2. However, this does not mean that it will be appropriate to relax VILLAGE NUCLEI the CASP strategy of consolidating (or restraining growth in) the Blarney Satellite Towns Berrings Cork City-North Cloghroe Preserve the rural character of village nuclei existing settlements to the south and west of the city. Rather, the Environs Courtbrack and encourage small-scale expansion, pressure to increase the supply of land suitable for housing should be Glanmire-Riverstown Blarney – The Special Local Area Plan sets Dublin Pike generally through low-density individual or met by encouraging this development into the rail corridor between Little Island out the development framework for this Firmount Tower multiple housing and other development, in Blarney and Midleton. settlement. Lower Dripsey Matehy tandem with the provision of services. Rathduff A number of Special Local Area Plans have been adopted to Glanmire-Riverstown – Consolidation of 3.6.3. the settlement firmly within its green belt create the opportunity to direct this somewhat higher than anticipated setting; development to focus on the level of housing growth towards appropriate locations along the rail western side of the bypass; improvement of corridor from Blarney to Midleton offering the opportunity for future community and residential amenities.

10 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 3: Local Area Strategy

residents to benefit from the transport choice that will be available there.

3.6.4. In determining whether enough land has been provided for housing in the smaller towns and villages within the Blarney Electoral Area, an examination should be made of both the projected requirement for new housing and the amount of zoned land suitable for housing development. The requirement for new housing is estimated from the projected increase in households for the area. In the Blarney Electoral Area is 2,820* households (* This figure includes growth dealt with in the Blarney-Kilbarry Special Local Area Plan).

3.6.5. In this Local Area Plan, approximately 162 ha (gross) of zoned residential lands have been identified in the smaller towns and villages. The housing capacity of this land will depend on various factors including density, topography etc. In addition to the lands zoned for new residential development, some element of residential development may also occur within brownfield sites, sites zoned for town / neighbourhood centre development or on sites with “special” zonings.

3.6.6. It is considered that sufficient lands have been zoned in the smaller towns and villages to accommodate the needs of the Blarney Electoral Area and that a scarcity is most unlikely to occur during the lifetime of this Local Area Plan. It would be prudent however, to monitor the rate of residential development to ensure that the supply remains sufficient on an ongoing basis.

11 Section 3: Local Area Strategy Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

12 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 4: Employment and Economic Activity

4.2.2. The numbers of farms and people in agricultural employment are 4.3.6. It is an objective of the Local Area Plan to develop a land-use declining; the age structure of farmers is unbalanced; many farms are non- strategy to encourage the development of modern industry, at an viable and direct payments account for an increasing proportion of farm appropriate scale, in the settlements serving rural areas so that, in time, Section 4 incomes. A strategy to address these issues should encourage the a robust employment base can develop enabling communities to Employment and Economic Activity development of alliances and partnerships between agricultural producers become self-sustaining, relying progressively less and less on longer and food processors taking due account of market needs and a distance commuting to urban centres for employment and other comprehensive programme for the development of the food industry which essential services. The achievement of this objective will be attained by; 4.1 Strategic Principles addresses needs in relation to capital investment, research, technology and innovation, marketing development and promotion, and human x Encouraging a range of employment opportunities with the aim resources. of attracting jobs of higher skills content with corresponding 4.1.1. The policies on Employment and Economic Activity are needs for well educated and trained personnel. presented in Chapter 4 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as 4.2.3. Agriculture will continue as a major land use and it will be varied) and are based at a strategic level on the following planning necessary to secure agriculture where it has the capacity to remain strong x Identifying key locations where attractive, serviced land is principles: and viable. Agriculture must be supported and encouraged to develop so it readily available to attract new industry, offices or other continues to play an important role as a basis for a strong and diversified appropriate commercial development to serve a recognised x The securing of the county’s economic future requires the timely rural economy. The links between traditional employments and the rural community. In identifying locations, consideration should and adequate provision of land for employment needs, including significant and developing sectors such as tourism, enterprise, local be given to providing for different types of development (current sites at suitable locations for industrial uses, enterprise uses, services and other sources of off-farm employment, will be important to the and emerging); from small incubator units to areas capable of retail uses and other uses; support of a strong rural economy. accommodating major FDI manufacturing plants at large single user sites. x Land use provision for employment uses should be closely 4.2.4. In the Blarney Electoral Area, the existence of the Metropolitan related to transportation, environmental and infrastructural Green Belt and the Rural Housing Control Zone supports the future of x Developing clusters of key industries in specific locations, considerations as well as to the effects on town centres, agriculture by helping to retain land in agricultural use and protect it from where knowledge and innovation plays a critical role in residential amenity and to the broader settlement policies; inappropriate development. Securing the Green Belt lands in agricultural attracting and retaining employment. x Balanced improvement of the economy across the whole county use provides certainty for the farming community, which encourages x Encouraging in those locations, the provision of key social and will require special measures in areas where economic activity is investment and diversification in the agricultural industry. economic services (schools, health centres, banks, shops etc.) strong. that will provide essential support to new industry and its employees. The development of an integrated childcare service 4.1.2. In the Blarney electoral area, the employment base is strong, and 4.3 Industry and Enterprise is an example of this form of provision. is based on a mix of manufacturing and service industry. 4.3.1. The Blarney Electoral Area is part of the single employment and x Encouraging public transport to focus on those locations so that 4.1.3. Outside of the main towns and strategic industrial areas there are property market that is the Metropolitan Cork area. new industry will have access to broad labour markets. Public employment and economic activities of varying scale occurring in the transport is a major contributor to improving economic smaller settlements and rural areas of the Electoral Area, such as 4.3.2. Little Island and the IDA estate at Kilbarry, within the City North development potential and social cohesion by providing greater agriculture, service industries, tourism and other industrial and Environs, are the main focus for industrial and enterprise development in choice of access and improving accessibility of services. commercial uses. the Electoral Area, including some of the key employers in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. x Ensuring that such locations have a plentiful supply of land for good quality new housing including a broad range of house 4.2 Agriculture 4.3.3. Provision has also been made at Blarney Business Park for types and tenures; and medium to large scale prestige type developments to expand the economic base of the area. This business park is at the early stages of development. 4.2.1. Agriculture remains one of the largest single industries in County x Ensuring that the attractive qualities of the surrounding Cork although it no longer employs the majority of the population. It countryside are protected so that the rural setting of the area 4.3.4. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) supports the remains as a defining feature of the social, environmental and economic can act as a key incentive to attract new development. expansion and development of the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in make up of rural areas. The Government’s Rural White Paper: ‘Ensuring the future. the Future – a Strategy for Rural Development in Ireland’ (1999) identifies a need for diversification (both on- and off-farm) and alternative 4.4 Retail and Commerce 4.3.5. Policies in the LAPs will focus on the indigenous strengths of the enterprises to broaden the rural economy, support farming families and rural economy and, at the same time, facilitate wider economic complement an efficient agriculture sector. development supported by investment in infrastructure and service 4.4.1. The National Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning provision. Authorities, December 2000, came into effect in January 2001. The

13 Section 4: Employment and Economic Activity Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Guidelines set out the need for strategic retail policies and proposals to at the airport and ferry port and together with business travel it is a major 4.5.10. The NSS advises that second-home and holiday home be incorporated into development plans. contributor to the local economy. development can act as a revitalising force in economic terms, particularly in areas that are structurally weak, but an emphasis is 4.4.2. The Council’s Retail Strategy prepared jointly with the City 4.5.2. In 2003 Cork Airport handled over 2.1 million passengers. The needed on clustering such tourism driven development in or adjoining Council is in response to the National Guidelines and has been adopted expansion of the facilities including the construction of a new terminal small towns or villages. Where possible, holiday accommodation should as Variation Number 1 to the Cork County Development Plan 2003. The building will consolidate the importance of Cork International Airport as an be within the settlements of the area, where visitors can enjoy access to Retail Strategy establishes a hierarchy of retail locations that forms the economic driver for the county and the south-west region. shops, services and public transport. basis for determining the scale and location of new retail development. 4.5.3. Within the Electoral Area, the main tourist attraction is the world 4.5.11. The tourism industry relies on the quality and attractiveness of 4.4.3. It is expected that in the smaller settlements, the nature and famous Blarney Castle and Estate. There is potential to develop the the built and natural heritage and the objectives in the Cork County extent of retail provision will vary based on the settlement’s position in the attraction for visitors and proposals to improve access, lengthen visitor stay Development Plan 2003 (as varied), that are directed towards the network of settlements. In the larger settlements, provision may include a and increase the range of attractions will be supported by the Local Area conservation of the built and natural environments, must be respected number of convenience shops, comparison shops and some service Plan, providing the development respects the historic, cultural and scenic not only for their own sake but because of their importance to this related units. qualities of the site and the village. sector of the economy.

4.4.4. Provision will usually be in the form of local shops, as defined in 4.5.4. Outside the towns in the Electoral Area, which in themselves are 4.5.12. New development for the tourist industry should respect the the Retail Strategy. These shops serve immediate local needs only and generally attractive to tourists, locations like the Inniscarra reservoir where existing settlement pattern of the county. Integrated tourism provide primarily convenience goods within residential, commercial or the National Rowing Centre is located, attract large numbers of tourists development facilities (including sports and recreation activities) will mixed-use areas. The amount of floor-space provided is small in size and and athletes. contribute to a more diverse range of visitor attractions, encourage it may be appropriate to group a small number of local shops together to longer visitor stays, help extend the visitor season and add to the create more sustainable development forms. They may also form the 4.5.5. The area’s proximity and ease of access to Cork Airport enhances quality of life for people who live in the area. focus of smaller villages where they serve a wider rural catchment area. it’s attractiveness, particularly for short or weekend breaks and generates opportunities for tourism outside the main season. 4.4.5. Locations for local shops may be identified in the settlement section of this Local Area Plan. However, retail development at this scale 4.5.6. Although the dramatic landscape characteristics found in West may, if appropriate, take place as an ancillary element of proposals that Cork and Kerry are not present in the area, the Blarney Electoral Area is are predominantly for other uses (e.g. housing, industry etc.). generally rural in character and has many attractive and scenic areas. The settlements of the area are, generally, clearly defined and include many 4.4.6. Another issue effecting retail provision in the smaller settlements attractive, sometimes historic buildings. The setting of most settlements is the role of convenience shops attached to petrol filling stations. This is has been protected from suburban or sporadic development. a rapidly expanding form of retailing. The preferred location for petrol filling stations is often designated in development plans as being on the 4.5.7. There are a number of attractive walks, particularly in Blarney, edge of town or village and close to the speed limit. The normally where there is a river/road side walk which features woodland and the accepted upper limit on the convenience element is 100 square metres remains of some old mill ponds and a canal. This walk runs as far as net floor area. This scale of provision will not always be accommodated, Waterloo Round Tower and returns via a new walk alongside the Cork- particularly in smaller villages, where such provision of convenience floor Limerick Road which meets with the Station Road leading onto the village space out of centre would cause significant trade diversion from existing of Blarney. village centres. 4.5.8. The Cork Harbour area - includes a compact mix of urban 4.4.7. The Cork Retail Centres Hierarchy defined in the Retail Strategy, attractions, coastal views and walks, marine, rural leisure and recreation 4.6 Mineral Extraction lists the location of centres from regional to local. In the Blarney Electoral facilities, many of which are accessible by good quality public transport. Area, Neighbourhood Centres are located at Blarney, Glanmire and 4.6.1. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) contains Tower. 4.5.9. The development of the Electoral Area’s tourist industry, a number of important objectives relating to mineral extraction. It is an particularly because of its potential to attract visitors outside the main objective of the Plan to: season, is an important element of any strategy. From a land-use planning 4.5 Tourism point of view, it is important to develop a series of appropriate planning x Safeguard existing resources by seeking to prevent objectives, complementing those of the Cork County Development Plan incompatible land uses, which could be located elsewhere, 2003 (as varied), that will ensure the conservation and enhancement of the from being located in the vicinity of the resource. 4.5.1. There is potential to develop the tourism industry in the Blarney areas characteristics that are important to the development of tourism. Electoral Area, particularly at a local level. The settlements within the Blarney Electoral Area are generally within easy reach of the ferry port at Ringaskiddy and Cork Airport. Significant numbers of tourists disembark

14 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 4: Employment and Economic Activity

x Identify important strategic mineral reserves, particularly 4.7.2. There are two main aspects to the issue of forestry in any area, the aggregates, and develop appropriate site-specific policies for first is large-scale commercial forestry and the other is the smaller scale safeguarding the reserve. more environmentally focused local schemes.

x Minimise environmental and other impacts of mineral extraction 4.7.3. Forestry contributes substantially to the economic well being of the through rigorous application of licensing, development control county in terms of the direct and indirect employment it generates and the and enforcement requirements for quarry and other financial revenue that results. The market increasingly demands certified developments. timber to assure customers that their products come from sustainable managed forests as outlined in the Irish National Forest Standard (2000). x Have regard to visual impacts, methods of extraction, noise All grant aided forestry development and operations must be in accordance levels, dust prevention, protection of rivers, lakes and other water with the Code of Best Forest Practice (2000) and a series of guidelines on sources, impacts on residential and other amenities, impacts on topics including water quality, archaeology, landscape, harvesting and the road network (particularly with regard to making good any biodiversity. These publications support the Irish National Forest Standard damage to roads), road safety, phasing, re-instatement and in ensuring that the development of this sector is undertaken on a landscaping of worked sites. sustainable basis.

4.6.2. In chapter 4 of the County Development Plan, Employment and 4.7.4. The Draft Guidelines on Forestry Development issued by the Economic Activity, objectives are included to identify (ECO 5-2) and Department of the Environment and Local Government (1997) highlighted safeguard (ECO 5-3) our mineral reserves and to minimise the impacts the need for local authorities to produce an Indicative Forest Strategy to (ECO 5-4) of mineral extraction. designate areas sensitive to afforestation as well as those areas that are preferred for afforestation. It is also important that the Indicative Forest 4.6.3. In April of 2004, the Department of the Environment, Heritage Strategy outlines the Council’s policies in relation to forestry development and Local Government published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on generally within the county. Quarries and Ancillary Activities. These Guidelines are intended to assist planning authorities in dealing with the varying environmental and land 4.7.5. Assistance to encourage local forestry schemes through use issues associated with the operation of quarries. They are also government initiatives include the NeighbourWood Scheme, the Urban intended to help with the implementation of Section 261 of the Planning & Woodland Scheme and the Native Woodland Scheme. These initiatives Development Act, 2000, which commenced on the 28th April 2004 and reflect the fact that with the rapid expansion of Ireland’s urban centres over provides for a new registration system for quarries. the past few years there is a need to provide communities with accessible, attractive woodland amenities that form an integral part of the locality. New 4.6.4. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) indicates schemes can be planted with grant aid from the Department of Marine and areas of high landscape quality, together with proposed geological Natural Resources. Natural Heritage Areas, where quarrying will not normally be permitted. While eskers and moraines comprise valuable sediments, they also represent non-renewable records of past climate and environmental change, and should be afforded some protection.

4.7 Forestry

4.7.1. The overriding strategy as regards forestry is to increase the productive forest area and the diversity of species, protect the environment, develop an internationally competitive saw milling sector and a range of complementary forest based processing industries, promote research and development and ensure the availability of education and training. The County Development Plan in Chapter 4, Employment & Economic Activity, includes the main overriding principles as regards forestry and these are supported by Strategic Objectives ECO 5-5, ECO 5-6 and ECO 5-7.

15 Section 4: Employment and Economic Activity Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

16 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 5: Transport and Infrastructure

5.2.3. As the rail line re-opening, station building and park and ride while suburban rail services, at present, are confined to the Cork to facility has been approved, the following is therefore an objective of this Cobh line. The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) has identified the need Local Area Plan; to intensify existing, and reuse disused, rail lines for suburban rail Section 5 services, between Blarney and Midleton. Transport and Infrastructure 5.2.10. A number of Special Local Area Plans are currently being Rail Facilities prepared to help facilitate the introduction of suburban rail services to 5.1 Strategic Principles the rail corridor from Blarney to Midleton. There are major benefits TR 1-1 It is an objective to provide a new railway station at associated with the introduction of these rail services for the Blarney Dunkettle including the provision of a park and ride Electoral Area, for example by offering the opportunity for future 5.1.1. A whole range of policies on Transport and Infrastructure are facility. residents to benefit from the transport choice. It is important the Local presented in Chapter 5 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as Area Plan, where possible, helps to facilitate the re-introduction of rail varied), based on the following planning principles: services.

x An integrated approach to transport throughout the county is 5.2.4. Adjacent and contiguous to the Electoral Area, on the Kinsale 5.2.11. It remains an objective, to re-introduce rail services, north of required with an increased emphasis on the use of public Road at Black Ash, the City Council has opened a new park and ride Blarney, to villages such as Rathduff / Grenagh. It is important that transport with particular attention given to social and facility. This facility, suggested in CASP, will form an essential part of the lands within proximity of the existing rail line and stations, are environmental friendliness, efficiency, safety and proposed green route connecting the airport and the city with high quality safeguarded from inappropriate development, which could compromise competitiveness; bus transport. this objective.

x The county’s principal transportation assets including ports, 5.2.5. It is also proposed in conjunction with the City Council, to develop airports, and strategic road and rail corridors, should be a network of Green Routes, which will be high quality, high profile public Road Network protected and developed; transport corridors providing high quality bus services. The provision of 5.2.12. While the road network in the Blarney Electoral Area is these corridors and high quality public transport will tackle one of the generally good, the majority of settlements within the Electoral Area x Investment in the county’s infrastructure should be made in a issues causing public concern in parts of the Electoral Area; traffic would benefit from road improvements such as traffic calming, the sustainable and efficient manner in order to promote the social congestion. provision of appropriate signage and in many cases road widening. and economic well being of the county and its population including greater provision of public transport services, 5.2.6. In the Blarney Electoral Area, it is proposed that the Green Routes 5.2.13. The current programme of road construction and traffic particularly in rural areas; will connect the city with Carrignavar, Glenville, Blarney, Tower and improvements, including the provision of green routes, will help to Cloghroe. alleviate traffic congestion in and around the main settlements in the x The county’s strategic infrastructural resources and distribution area. Any further large-scale development and car based commuting in corridors should be protected and safeguarded having regard to 5.2.7. Overall, the strategy proposes the introduction of 9 Green Routes the area would contribute to increased congestion. environmental and social considerations; to include the main existing bus routes, and corridors serving Park and Ride sites that will be developed at the Kinsale Road Roundabout and the 5.2.14. The Non-National Roads Programme for 2002 –2005, x Future provision for transportation and infrastructure should be Bandon Road Roundabout. implemented by Cork County Council, will be substantially complete in firmly integrated with the county’s overall land use strategies. the current year because of the accelerated rates of funding. In 2004 5.2.8. It is an objective of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as Cork County Council has received €24.95 million for the NNR varied) to: 5.2 Transport Programme (€17.81 million for Restoration Improvement and €7.14 million for Restoration Maintenance i.e. surface dressing). In the 2004 x support the provision of a more regular and efficient express bus Estimates Cork County Council has allocated €17.43 million from it’s service throughout the county and encourage public–private 5.2.1. One of the aims of the Cork Area Strategic Plan is the own resources for the maintenance and improvement of non-national partnership in the provision of more widespread non-urban bus development of park and ride sites on all major radial roads into Cork roads. City. In the Blarney Electoral Area locations for park and ride have been services; identified at Monard, referred to in CASP as Monard Parkway, and at 5.2.15. There are a number of improvement works proposed on non- x and to support initiatives which provide greater accessibility by bus Dunkettle. national roads in the Electoral Area and include works on the Leemount between rural towns/villages with their more remote hinterlands. Cross – Coachford Road, along the R618, on the road from Leemount 5.2.2. The announcement by the Minister of Transport in May 2004 that Cross to Creans Cross, along the R579, works to the Blarney Relief the Government had decided that the Midleton rail line would re-open Rail Road, the R617 and on the Coachford - Donoughmore R619 road. also included the building of a new station and extensive park and ride Funding has also been allocated for a number of additional individual 5.2.9. Rail infrastructure in County Cork is currently used mainly for facility at Dunkettle. scheme allocations for minor works in the Electoral Area. intercity services between Cork and Dublin and to Killarney via Mallow,

17 Section 5: Transport and Infrastructure Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

5.2.16. The National Roads Authority has a number of new road or extend and improve water and wastewater infrastructure as joint x Sludge Management Scheme proposals in the Blarney Electoral Area including the proposed ventures or in partnership with the Local Authority. construction of a new Northern Ring Road, which would initially link the x Cork Area Drainage Study N20 to the N22 and eventually extend to the N8. A draft constraints 5.3.2. Sanitary services, sewers in particular, in many smaller report has been completed and various route options are presently under settlements are not adequate at present to serve the existing communities x Cork Area Drainage Schemes consideration. or to accommodate growth. In order to deal with this problem Cork County Council together with the Department of the Environment Heritage and Water Quality 5.2.17. It is considered that there may be suitable locations in the Local Government has prepared a programme of works to be undertaken Blarney Electoral Area for the provision of a dedicated truck depot to to improve the situation. 5.3.10. A recent document Phosphorous Regulations Priority Action meet the needs of truck parking with ancillary facilities, based on its Matrix For Designated Rivers and lakes 2004 – 2006 has been merits and subject to normal proper planning considerations. 5.3.3. Cork County Council produced an Assessment of Water Services produced by the Environment Department of Cork County Council. The Needs in October 2003, revised in January 2004, which predicts the need for this report has arisen from the passing into law of The Local sanitary services needs over the next number of years to 2012. The main Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 ( Water Quality Standards for Ports and Airports purpose of the assessment is to develop an overall strategic investment Phosphorous) Regulations, 1998. The main principle of these 5.2.18. The Blarney Electoral Area includes part of the Lee estuary and plan for the county for the medium term and to set out a programme of regulations is the requirement that water quality be maintained or Cork Harbour. In the Harbour area, the Deep Water Berth and works to meet the identified water services needs. improved. The report has identified a number of rivers where water Ringaskiddy Ferry Port contribute greatly to the economic success, quality, and in particular phosphorus levels, are a cause of concern. particularly the commercial, industrial and tourism well being of the south 5.3.4. The principal objectives of the sanitary programmes are to provide The implications of this report will be highlighted in the relevant - west region. an adequate supply of water, complying with the Irish Drinking Water settlements. Regulations, for domestic, industrial, agricultural and other uses and to 5.2.19. Cork International Airport is an important strategic asset to Cork provide for the safe disposal of sewage and other waterborne wastes. An County and the south - west region and its importance is recognised important objective in the programme is to meet the requirements of the through the specific objectives in chapter 8 of the Cork County EU Urban Waste Water Treatment and Drinking Water Directives. Development Plan, 2003 (as varied). The airport and the associated developments in logistics, the Airport Business Park and hotel are all key 5.3.5. The Blarney Electoral Area is included in a strategic study, “The elements in the development of the county and the south - west region. Cork Water Strategy Study”, which will identify the strategic needs in South Cork for the next twenty years. Pedestrians and Cyclists 5.3.6. In Blarney, the capacity of the waste water treatment plant will be 5.2.20. Footpaths, cycle lanes and parking facilities should be built into increased and the treatment process will be upgraded. Blarney water the planning and design of new or upgraded road infrastructure proposals supply scheme is planned to be augmented by the provision of a reservoir and public realm/environmental projects. This can, over time, help reduce and extended supply network. Upgrading of the stormwater system, the need to travel by car, reduce congestion and pollution, and contribute separating storm water from foul, is also proposed in Blarney. to healthy lifestyles. The provision of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and, where appropriate, commuter plans, should be included in planning 5.3.7. In Little Island, a new sewage collection system and pumping conditions in respect of larger scale developments. In appropriate cases stations are being provided. the need or potential for pedestrian and/or cycle facilities has been Drainage highlighted in specific zonings in the Local Area Plan. 5.3.8. Also in the Blarney Electoral Area, the proposed new town at Monard, which is the subject of the Blarney Special Local Area Plan, is 5.3.11. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) includes objectives INF 2-8 and INF 2-9 which respectively deal with the 5.2.21. Waymarked paths and cycle routes are an important resource designated in the Council’s “Water Services Assessment of Needs 2004” protection of river channels and prevention of flooding. In addition, the for attracting tourists and providing recreation for local residents. They document as requiring sewage treatment works, an outfall, a water supply Office of Public Works (OPW) has produced a series of objectives can also open up potential for farm diversification into small-scale tourist from the Cork Harbour and City Scheme and a reservoir. which they propose should be applied to any development in flood services. 5.3.9. Countywide projects to improve water and drainage services are plains, including flood impact assessment. While the DoEHLG has not proposed which will benefit the Blarney Electoral Area, including; yet responded to the OPW document, it is prudent that the LAPs would 5.3 Water Supplies and Drainage Schemes implement the objectives contained in the document. The following is x Replacement of lead pipes therefore an objective of this Local Area Plan;

5.3.1. Public Infrastructure, particularly the availability of adequate x Replacement of defective watermains public water supply and wastewater treatment are vital to ensure that land zoned in the Local Area Plans is available for development. The x Source Protection Programme Council will be open to considering proposals from developers to upgrade

18 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 5: Transport and Infrastructure

wind resource in the county and the degree of sensitivity of Cork’s different Drainage and Flooding landscapes to the deployment of wind farms.

It is a general objective to implement the DR 1-1 5.5.3. The identification of Strategic Search Areas in the Cork County recommendations of the Office of Public Works Development Plan 2003 (as varied) gives a strategic representation of policies, as current in June 2004, in relation to flood generally preferred areas for wind farms. Strategic Search Areas are plains and areas sensitive to flooding. areas, which have both relatively high wind speeds and relatively low landscape sensitivity to wind projects. 5.4 Waste Recovery and Recycling 5.5.4. Strategic Search Areas are located in the northwest, north, mid- Cork and small parts of east Cork. To the north-west of the Electoral Area 5.4.1. The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (May 2004) is there is an area, which forms part of a larger strategic search area, which based on the Cork Waste Strategy, a joint document with Cork City has been identified as being suitable for wind energy development. It is an Council and replaces the Waste Management Plan for Cork County objective of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) to (1999). The Plan highlights current levels of waste and sets objectives encourage prospective wind energy developers assessing potentially whereby overall levels will be reduced and stabilised in order to comply suitable sites for wind energy projects to focus on the strategic search with both National and European legislative guidelines. The guidelines areas identified in the plan. set down a hierarchy of preferential modes of waste management, including the following; prevention, minimisation, re-use/recycling, Telecommunications disposal with energy recovery and disposal of residual waste. 5.5.5. A goal of this Local Area Plan is to ensure that the necessary 5.4.2. A single engineered land-fill site is proposed for the County at physical and telecommunications infrastructure is provided and that rural Bottlehill. communities are enabled to exploit the enormous potential of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Several initiatives are underway 5.4.3. Bring sites are proposed throughout the county and in the by a number of telecommunications service providers, which have the Blarney Electoral Area a civic amenity site may be provided at Glanmire. capacity to improve broadband infrastructure and services in the rural With the exception of bring sites, these facilities raise different levels of areas; the National Spatial Strategy recognises the importance of environmental and social concerns and impacts and require licensing broadband connectivity for social and economic interaction and benefit to from the Environmental Protection Agency. It is important to ensure they the community at large. are located where these impacts are minimised as much as possible.

5.5 Energy and Communications

Energy Networks

5.5.1. The energy industry, and utilities generally, have very specific land use planning requirements. In particular, safeguards need to be put in place to ensure that strategic distribution corridors are not compromised, by inappropriate siting of other developments. The renewable energy sector requires more specific treatment as it raises a number of planning issues, particularly in relation to the deployment of wind energy projects. In all cases however, it is necessary to ensure that energy projects do not in themselves constitute negative impacts, particularly in areas of environmental or landscape sensitivity.

Renewable Energy

5.5.2. The issue of wind energy is important for Cork county and a number of preliminary studies have been carried out to assess the overall

19 Section 5: Transport and Infrastructure Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

20 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 6: Housing and Community Facilities

6.3 Residential Densities Within Main Towns Density Table: Key Villages, Villages & Village Nuclei

Density Type Unit Number Notes Section 6 6.3.1. The County Development Plan sets out the densities for residential Net/ha development in County Cork. Densities less than 20 dwellings (net) per Housing and Community Facilities hectare (8 per acre) should be discouraged; however in certain exceptional High > 25 ha (10/acre) Village centre & street frontage. circumstances, limited areas of lower density may be considered. This lower density, would apply, for example, where there are special Medium 12 – 25 ha Specific density dependant on 6.1 Strategic Principles environmental or ecological considerations, where there is a need to make (5 – 10/acre) issues such as, layout and a transition between higher density development and the open countryside, servicing arrangements 6.1.1. The policies for Housing and Community facilities set out in or in locations where services are inadequate to support greater densities. Chapter 6 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) are In some of the main towns, a number of locations have been identified to Low 5 – 12 ha Subject to satisfactory servicing (2 – 5/acre) arrangements. based on the following important planning principles: accommodate very low-density residential development (less than 5 dwellings per hectare). Very Low < 5 per ha Exceptional cases x The availability of housing for a diverse range of housing needs (2/acre) is important for sustaining communities and for enhancing quality 6.3.2. The table below indicates the housing densities set out in objective of life; HOU 2-1, in the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied).

x Balanced communities should be encouraged in order to Density Table: Main Settlements promote the social, environmental and economic well being of 6.5 Community Facilities the county; Density Type Unit Number Notes Net/ha x A high quality living environment is important for sustaining 6.5.1. In the Blarney Electoral Area, an overall requirement exists for communities; High > 50 ha Town centre and public transport an improved level of services with a broader choice in education, health and leisure facilities. These improved services must be clustered in the x The proper provision of community facilities of high standard is Medium 20 – 50 ha < 35 units/ha discouraged larger settlements, which will make these settlements more attractive to important for all age groups and sectors of society and is an the population and avoid the need for long distance commuting for Low 8 – 12 ha > 5 and up to 20 accepted if sewer essential component of proper planning. basic services. provided. < 5/ha not acceptable if sewered. 6.5.2. The absence of an adequate transport service and affordable childcare services in many areas make it especially difficult for women 6.2 Housing - Overall Approach Very Low < 5 per ha Exceptional cases to avail of training and education or to enter the labour force and retain employment. The provision of improved public services and Outside the towns and villages, the Cork County Development 6.2.1. infrastructure and the creation of improved employment opportunities Plan 2003 (as varied) establishes two main policy areas making up 6.4 Residential Densities in Smaller Settlements will greatly assist in reducing many aspects of social exclusion and Metropolitan Cork: The Metropolitan Green Belt and the Rural Housing deprivation. Control Zone. Although in each case there are certain exceptions, the 6.4.1. In the Key Villages, Villages and Village Nuclei, the Local Area effect of both will be to apply relatively restrictive controls on the Plans apply densities in these settlements for new residential development. 6.5.3. In addition, it is considered that measures to promote greater circumstances in which planning permission will be granted for new The factors considered in applying these densities include; the services access and availability of social, recreational and cultural facilities and housing in the agricultural areas. and infrastructure available, the appropriate scale of development, the role services should be incorporated into a strategy for future development. of the village in the settlement network, the environmental, and 6.2.2. The Metropolitan Green Belt covers the southern portion of the topographical considerations and the provision of serviced land in villages Education Blarney Electoral Area while the northern part is covered by the Rural as an alternative to dispersed one off rural housing in the countryside. Housing Control Zone, with the exception of the northernmost part near 6.5.4. Primary schools are located in most, if not all of the Glenville and a small area in the most easterly part of the Electoral Area, 6.4.2. The following table summarises densities appropriate to new settlements, some of the schools are poorly located in that they may be which are outside these designated areas. residential development in the key villages, villages and village nuclei a distance outside of the settlement or located between settlements identified in this plan. which means that children may not be able to walk to school in safety. 6.2.3. It is an objective of the County Development Plan to recognise The provision of footpaths to schools, where feasible, will be a priority in the serious long-term effects that urban generated housing development the local area plans. School buses and cars are the main form of can have on rural areas, in terms of the viability of rural settlements, the transport to and from schools. Many existing schools are under carrying capacity of rural infrastructure and on the special character and pressure to accommodate an increasing number of new pupils in environment of rural areas. buildings that are unsuitable or too small. The need to extend buildings

21 Section 6: Housing and Community Facilities Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

and expand facilities is often constrained by the availability of land. The Plan across the Electoral Area and these proposals are shown on the LAP will zone land for the extension of primary school buildings and settlement maps. facilities where the need has been identified. Secondary schools in the Electoral Area are located in the main towns of Blarney, Carrignavar and Open Space Glenville. 6.5.12. Passive open space zonings are shown in the Plan as well as the 6.5.5. In terms of education at primary and secondary school levels active recreation uses described above. Open space fulfils the purposes of there is a need to ensure that, in a timely manner, sites and buildings to providing important visual settings for settlements, retains land in cater for the proposed increase in population are provided. agricultural use and protects the landscape where it is of a scenic quality that it needs to be preserved. 6.5.6. The third level educational sector should be encouraged to provide outreach programmes to locations outside the larger settlements in order to establish access to education and training.

Health Care Facilities

6.5.7. Apart from the public and private hospitals which are located in the city and city suburbs, health care in the Electoral Area and in Metropolitan Cork in general, consists of GP’s surgeries and local community health care facilities such as nursing homes and small scale medical centres.

Childcare

6.5.8. Childcare facilities like crèches are provided mainly in the larger centres on a privately run basis only. The demand for childcare facilities is increasing and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government publication Childcare Facilities -Guidelines For Planning Authorities (June 2001) provides for the provision of at least one childcare facility for new housing areas of 75 dwellings or more. Childcare facilities should be promoted in the following locations; residential areas, places of employment, educational establishments, city and town centres, neighbourhood and district centres and locations convenient to transport nodes.

6.5.9. The crucial issue for the provision of healthcare and childcare is ensuring access to appropriate levels of services.

Recreation

6.5.10. Recreation and sports are provided for as private and public undertakings and indoor and outdoor facilities. The largest provider of sports and recreation in the Electoral Area is the GAA organisation, which has facilities like playing pitches and halls in almost every settlement. Other sports like soccer, rugby, hockey tennis and golf are also provided for.

6.5.11. Walking is becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity, particularly regarding the demand for designated amenity walks. A number of amenity walks are proposed in or near settlements in the

22 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 7: Environment and Heritage

7.2.3. Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) cover nationally important semi-natural and natural habitats, landforms or geomorphological features, wild plant and animal species or a diversity of Section 7 these natural attributes. The current list of pNHA’s (dated September 2002) Environment and Heritage is given in Volume 2 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) and shown on the Heritage and Scenic Amenity Maps in Volume 4.

7.1 Strategic Principles 7.2.4. Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) have been selected because they support habitats and plant and animal species that are rare or threatened in Europe and require particular measures, including 7.1.1. Policies on the natural and built environment as well as a whole the designation of protected sites, to conserve them. The sites are called range of heritage matters are dealt with in Chapter 7 of the Cork County ‘candidate sites’ because they are currently under consideration by the Development Plan 2003 (as varied). The following planning principles are Commission of the European Union. The current list of cSACs (dated important considerations: September, 2002) is given in Volume 2 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) and shown on the Heritage and Scenic Amenity x The natural and built environment, particularly those elements Maps in Volume 4. that are non-renewable and most valuable, need to be properly protected, managed and enhanced; 7.3 Scenic Amenity, Views and Prospects 7.2.5. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been selected because they support populations of birds of particular species that are rare or x The conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, natural threatened in Europe and require particular measures, including the 7.3.1. Scenic areas and scenic routes are identified in the Cork heritage, landscape and the built environment should be designation of protected areas to conserve them. Together with the cSACs County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). These are based on promoted as important elements of the long term economic they form part of the ‘Natura 2000’ network of sites throughout Europe. The designations established by previous development plans and, in growth and development of the county; list of SPAs (dated September, 2002) is given in Volume 2 of the Cork general, they make up those areas of natural beauty and the important views and prospects that people in Cork (and visitors to the county) x The protection of Cork’s physical heritage (including archaeology County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) and shown on the Heritage value most highly. Objectives ENV 3-2, ENV 3-3, ENV 3-4, ENV 3-5 and historic buildings) is a tangible representation of the County’s and Scenic Amenity Maps in Volume 4. and ENV 3-6 in the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), past and is a sound basis for economic growth and regeneration; 7.2.6. In the Blarney Electoral Area, important pNHAs include, Dunkettle refer to scenic amenity, routes and views and prospects. x The ‘polluter pays’ principle and the ‘precautionary approach’ Shore, Rockfarm Quarry, Little Island, Ardamadane Wood, Glanmire 7.3.2. The purpose of the Scenic Routes in the area is to identify and principle are important elements of any planning policies that Wood, Blarney Bog, the Lee Valley, Blarney Castle Woods, Blarney Lake conserve routes offering important, distinctive or rich character in terms deal with environmental and heritage matters; and the Shournagh Valley. of a sequence of scenery when traversed by car, bicycle or foot. The x The long term economic, social and environmental well-being of 7.2.7. There are no Candidate Special Areas of Conservation in the value of a scenic route may be in continuity; dramatic changes; or Cork requires water and air quality to be of the highest possible Electoral Area. gradual unfolding of scenic and landscape character. Often it will standard. involve successions of containment and surprise in length and type of 7.2.8. Cork Harbour is a Special Protection Area. vista, and variety in landscape and townscape.

7.2 The Natural Environment 7.2.9. Cork County is also rich in areas of geological interest. The 7.3.3. It follows that the Scenic Routes will not be used as a blanket Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the ban on development adjacent to or visible from any route. Rather, the Geological Survey of Ireland are drawing up a list of sites of geological contribution of the development proposed to the quality of the 7.2.1. European and National Legislation now protect the most valuable interest that will be proposed as Natural Heritage Areas. The importance of experience of traversing the route will be taken into account in judging of our remaining wild places, through designation of sites as proposed geological heritage is recognised in the Cork County Development Plan the merits of any application for planning permission within sight of it. Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special 2003 (as varied). A list of important geological features within the county Protection Areas. has been drawn up with the intention of maintaining their possible 7.3.4. Development may add value to a scenic route, especially if conservation value. The list has been produced in consultation with the skilfully sited, designed and landscaped. A large or unusual building or 7.2.2. The designation of these sites at a national level is the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Geology Department of the National structure may add drama to a view, or change in view. More modest responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local University of Ireland, Cork. development may, if special in character, add interest to an otherwise Government, but it is the responsibility of all of us to protect these sites. homogenous section of route, or, if conforming in character, consolidate The process of designation of such sites is ongoing, with new sites being 7.2.10. In the Blarney Electoral Area the list includes; Little Island Rock the scenic or architectural character of a particular locality. added and boundaries of existing sites being adjusted, as better Farm Quarries and Ballyvolane Sand Pits. information becomes available. In addition, there is a range of plants and animals that are protected under national legislation.

23 Section 7: Environment and Heritage Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

7.3.5. In many case the combination of the particular scenery and the 7.3.13. The current stage of the process is at the “values” stage whereby 7.4.5. A pilot project on village design statements has been nature of the development proposed will mean that it would have the values associated with landscape character in local areas will be undertaken by West Cork Enterprise Board and shows worked negligible impact on the route. outlined in the Local Area Plans and through consultation and submissions examples of what can achieved through good village design. received in the Local Area Plan process, the values associated with 7.3.6. Where development has a negative impact on the quality of the different types of landscape will be established. It is proposed that this 7.4.6. Significant additional residential zonings are being provided in route, the scale of that impact (including any incremental or cumulative work be completed before the examination of the scenic routes, as the the new Local Area Plans. If these lands are developed over a short effect) will be judged against any positive public planning benefit arising process will inform the work on the scenic routes. period of time there is potential for existing villages to be submerged from the development. The scope for mitigating any impact by means of with new housing which could significantly alter the character of the landscaping or alternative design or siting will also be taken into account. 7.3.14. The Electoral Area also has a number of scenic landscape areas; villages. Accordingly, where development is proposed in the villages, the Lee Valley between the city and Dripsey, the Shournagh River valley to the Planning Authority will require that development proposals for each 7.3.7. Developments which would have a significant negative impact on the south of Kerry Pike and north of Tower, lands around Blarney Castle site be designed to harmonise and respect the character of adjoining the quality of the Scenic Route, which is not outweighed by any other and Lake, lands between Blarney and Waterloo along the River Martin, the areas, with a positive design approach, having full regard to the planning consideration, will not normally be acceptable. lands south of and including Killeens village, as well as the important hill principles of townscape design. top to the south of the village and areas around Glanmire including parts of 7.3.8. Those proposing development adjacent to or within sight of the Glashaboy River valley and the important hill top at Sallybrook. The designated Scenic Routes are advised to consult the Cork County scenic landscape areas are shown on the Heritage and Scenic Amenity Landscape Character Assessment and the Cork Rural Design Guide Maps in Volume 4 of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). before completing their design and submitting any planning application.

7.3.9. In the Blarney Electoral Area, there are 4 routes classified as 7.4 Built Environment scenic routes; the road from Dunkettle to Glanmire and eastwards to Caherlag and Glounthaune, the road between Leemount and Macroom 7.4.1. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) has via Coachford, road between Clogheen, Tower and Blarney, the road to identified a number of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) as special Blarney Lake and the road between Blarney and Grenagh. The scenic areas that require protection from inappropriate development and may be routes are shown on the Heritage and Scenic Amenity Maps in Volume 4 subject to special planning controls in order to preserve and enhance the of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). area. Additional ACAs may be adopted through the variation process. Specific objectives ENV 5-5, 5-6 and 5-7 refer to ACAs in the Cork County 7.3.10. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) had two Development Plan 2003. The ACAs are mapped in Volume 4 of the Cork objectives; ENV 3-6 and LAP 2-4, intending that at a level of local detail County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). There are no Architectural the specific requirements of the scenic routes in terms of sensitivity to 7.5 Cultural Heritage Conservation Areas in the Blarney Electoral Area. development and the preservation of the character of views and prospects be examined. However, the Planning and Development Act 7.5.1. The conservation of the cultural identity of the area needs to be 7.4.2. It is estimated that there are many thousands of buildings and 2000, requires that development plans include objectives for the considered in ways that allow development to take place, while at the structures of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, preservation of the landscape, views and prospects and the amenities of same time protecting the area’s heritage resources. scientific, social or technical importance in County Cork. The principal places and features of natural beauty. The Draft Guidelines for mechanism for protection of these is through inclusion on the ‘Record of Landscape and Landscape Assessment recommends a particular 7.5.2. The County Cork Heritage Plan was adopted in May 2005 and Protected Structures’. This provides a positive recognition of the structures’ approach to dealing with landscape assessment, concentrating on the aims to ensure the protection of our heritage and to promote its importance, protection from adverse impacts and potential access to grant distinctiveness of different landscapes and an understanding of how enjoyment by all. The five year plan identifies a number of key aid for conservation works. different kinds of development can be accommodated within them. objectives and the detailed actions required to achieve the objectives which will be formulated into annual work programmes over the life of 7.4.3. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) established 7.3.11. The method of landscape assessment is set out in the the Plan. Responsibility for implementing the Plan is shared amongst the initial Record of Protected Structures in County Cork, which includes a Guidelines and provides for public consultation on each stage of the many partners and will be monitored by the County Cork Heritage draft list of over 1,000 structures. In the Blarney Electoral Area there are process. Forum. approximately 63 structures included on the list. 7.3.12. Initially the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) 7.5.3. Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) contains 7.4.4. Cork County Council intends to add to its list of design guide established a set of 76 landscape character areas and amalgamated specific objectives in relation to Cultural Heritage. Objective ENV 6-1 publications in the future with a Housing Estates Design Guide and a them into a set of 16 generic landscapes types. These are listed in relates to the promotion of local heritage by encouraging the use of Village Design Guide. The Housing Estates Design Guide is expected in Volume 1 and shown on maps in Volume 4 of the Cork County local place names in new developments. The promotion of the the near future while the Village Design Guide will be commissioned Development Plan 2003 (as varied). Gaeltacht and linguistic heritage is covered in objective ENV 6-2. shortly. The Village Design Guide will assist in developing village design statements to guide design and village renewal throughout the county.

24 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 7: Environment and Heritage

7.5.4. As regards local heritage and customs it is recommended that beauty, but also because they provide a real asset for residents and 7.7.2. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), includes the following approach to preservation and development should be visitors alike in terms of recreation, tourism and other uses. The an objective to continue the procedure for landscape character pursued: importance of landscape is recognised in the Planning and Development assessment, in line with the Draft Guidelines for Landscape and Act 2000, which requires that Development Plans include objectives for the Landscape Assessment (2000) issued by the Department of the x Foster and celebrate all forms of local culture; preservation of the landscape, views and prospects and the amenities of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These guidelines places and features of natural beauty. recommend a particular approach to dealing with landscape x Promote high quality festivals reflecting local and international culture;

x Promote knowledge of local traditions and pastimes;

x Protect the natural and built heritage of the Area;

x Promote accreditation of traditional skills.

7.5.5. In addition to the social benefits of preserving the cultural traditions of the area, the cultural identity of the Blarney Electoral Area can make a significant contribution to underpinning the rural economy, stabilising populations and strengthening communities.

7.6 Archaeological Heritage

7.6.1. Archaeology is an irreplaceable link, which we have with our past. Archaeological sites and monuments vary greatly in form and date, and include megalithic tombs from the prehistoric period, Bronze Age fulachta fiadh (cooking places), medieval buildings, urban archaeological deposits and underwater sites such as wrecks.

7.6.2. In Ireland, archaeological sites are legally protected from unauthorised damage or interference through powers and functions under the National Monuments Act, the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 and the Planning Acts. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was created in 1994 as an amendment of the National Monuments Act.

7.6.3. Cork County Council has its own archaeological expertise to advise on any matters relating to archaeological heritage. The Council will also have regard to recommendations of the Cork Historic Monuments Advisory Committee.

7.6.4. Specific objectives ENV 4-1, 4-2, 4-4, 4-4, 4-5 and 4-6 refer to archaeology in the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied).

7.7 Landscape Assessment

Landscape Assessment in County Cork

7.7.1. County Cork contains significant areas of landscape importance which are important not only for their intrinsic value as places of natural

25 Section 7: Environment and Heritage Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

assessment, and concentrates on the distinctiveness of different Settlements include Cappeen, Donoughmore, Carrignavar and Ballincurrig. Values associated with the City Harbour and Estuary landscapes and an understanding of how different kinds of development 7.7.8. Cork City and Harbour is an important component of the can be accommodated within them. This work will form the basis of regional and national economy, with the harbour, including Little Island, assessing the sensitivity of landscapes to different kinds of development Ringaskiddy and Whitegate, being particularly important for industry having regard to the character and values associated with local areas. and employment. The harbour area also has a wealth of natural and This work is now carried forward into the Local Area Plan process by built heritage of national significance, including the impressive establishing the values associated with different types of landscape. combination of the expansive enclosed harbour and imposing buildings and settlements such as Cobh, including Cobh Cathedral and the 7.7.3. Landscape values can be described as the environmental, cultural or socio-economic benefits that are derived from various military and maritime heritage associated with such areas as landscape attributes. Typical values that will be attributed to an area Haulbowline, Spike Island, Fort Camden and Fort Carlisle. The natural include: heritage within the harbour, including important habitats and broadleaf woodlands, are important to County Cork, while its wetland areas are x Aesthetic – areas of particular beauty, scenic areas or scenic valued internationally due to the number and diversity of bird species it routes, views and vistas. supports. x Ecological – habitats, bio diversity wildlife areas; x Historic – archaeological, field patterns, sites of historic 7.7.9. The harbour area is intensively used for recreation purposes, events, vernacular building or architecture; Values associated with the Fissured Fertile Middleground area including marine leisure, walks and scenic amenities and attracts large x Socio-economic – value to the local economy, tourism; 7.7.6. This landscape is valued locally for the quality of its agricultural x Community – sense of place, spiritual quality, areas of numbers of tourists and visitors, to such areas as Fota. The folklore or musical importance, sporting areas or areas of land including limited concentrations of forestry to the east. Even though undeveloped areas within the harbour are not only important locally as public recreation. there are limited areas of scenic amenity, its aesthetic quality, particularly agricultural areas, but are also valued by the wider community for their regarding its fertile and complex topography, is important and along with its visual amenity and as a counterbalance to urban areas. This It is an objective in assessing proposals for development to have regard location and accessibility means that the area is highly valued locally for importance is reflected by the Metropolitan Green Belt, which safeguard to the relevant landscape character description and values. residential purposes. The quality of the areas’ built and archaeological these lands from inappropriate development. heritage is also valued locally, particularly in such locations as Mourne LANDSCAPE OF THE BLARNEY ELECTORAL AREA Abbey. Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys 7.7.4. The Blarney Electoral Area is comprised of a diverse range of 7.7.10. This landscape type comprises a relatively confined area of landscape types, including a large hilly area described as Fissured City Harbour and Estuary land stretching between the Gearagh in the west to Inniscarra in the Fertile Middleground, the northern part of Cork Harbour, Valleyed 7.7.7. Overall, the landscape of the city and harbour area comprises a east. Topographically the landscape includes interweaving hills and Marginal Middleground, Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys and part of mix of rural and intensely urban areas, combined with a large expansive valleys, contained by low ridges and interlocking hills, resulting in a a much larger area of landscape described as Broad Fertile Lowland harbour. The city docks area is characterised by tall cranes, warehousing, meandering course for the River Lee, which expands and contracts Valleys. These landscape types and associated values are summarised grain silos and large ships, while the wider harbour area comprises a mix between hydroelectric dams. Landcover pattern comprises regular below. of industrial, residential and recreational uses including marinas. To the shaped fields of medium size, bounded by broadleaf hedgerows. Given south of the city, the western side of the harbour supports major industrial that the soils are generally of moderate fertility, landuse comprises Fissured Fertile Middleground development, while on higher ground telecommunication masts and water mostly pasture. The Gearagh is used as a popular amenity for walking storage towers punctuate the skyline. The harbour includes large islands, and is protected for its wildlife value. This landscape is found in two distinct locations. The larger 7.7.5. which, along with much of the harbour shore, comprises landscape of extent runs broadly between Macroom in the west and the county fertile farmland of mixed use and mature broadleaf hedgerows, which boundary in the east. The second example is located south of the slope gently to the sea. The rural areas around much of the greater Gearagh. This landscape type has characteristics of both the flatter fertile harbour area are now characterised by a prevalence of infrastructure such farmland areas and the higher marginal hilly farmland. Many of the rivers as roads, bridges and electricity power lines and some urban sprawl. The in the western parts extend beyond this landscape type and feed into the narrow harbour mouth is defined by two hilltops with old military River Lee and Bandon River while those to the east head southwards to fortifications on their summits. the sea. It is an elevated landscape, which is fissured by fairly gentle slopes, with reasonably fertile agricultural land comprising a mosaic of small to medium sized fields with broadleaf hedgerows and is used predominantly for dairy as well as some arable production. Houses, farmsteads and sheds are dispersed across this landscape, while villages and hamlets nestle against hillsides, spreading up from valley bottoms, taking advantage of the shelter provided by the fissured topography.

26 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 7: Environment and Heritage

Values associated with the Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys 7.8 Cork Harbour 7.7.11. This landscape type contains the Gearagh, which is an 7.7.14. This landscape type stretches west and east from the environs of internationally important heritage site, as it supports the most extensive Cork City but also includes a smaller area east of Rathcormack. The Context alluvial woodland in Western Europe. In addition to the above this valleys in these areas are created by the rivers flowing on an east-west landscape is valued nationally as an important tourist location, due axis and are surrounded by low well spaced ridges. These shallow and flat 7.8.1. Cork Harbour is a distinctive and thriving mixed coastal zone mainly to the quality of its natural heritage, its scenic and recreational valleys wind as they follow the course of the river, rising to the north and which, as well as being the focus for all major industrial development, amenities, and due to its strategic location between Cork and Killarney. In south with gentle slopes where the valley is wide but with steeper faced fulfils important tourism and amenity roles. It also supports a number of County Cork, the Lee Valley has particular significance for its scenic slopes where the valley narrows. Further upstream to the west the broad important wildlife habitats as well as a significant proportion of the amenity, identity and the recreational importance of the area. This area flatness narrows and winds between low hills. Landcover comprises highly area’s residential population. also provides an important regional supply of energy and water, while its fertile, regularly shaped fields typically of medium size and with mature agricultural land is important to the local economy. broadleaf hedgerows. Agricultural use primarily involves intensive dairying 7.8.2. The Electoral Area Local Area Plans set out a framework for as well as tillage, with farmsteads relatively well screened by the the future role of the harbour, including its settlements, culture, heritage and environment in relation to the three electoral areas (Carrigaline, Valleyed Marginal Middleground hedgerows. Some of the larger settlements include Bandon, Ballincollig and Blarney to the west of Cork City, Castlemartyr to the east and Blarney and Midleton) that intersect the Cork Harbour Coastal Zone. 7.7.12. This landscape type is found at two distinct locations in Cork, Rathcormack to the north. Major roads such as the N22 between Macroom one located to the west between Ballyvourney and Macroom, the other and Cork City and the N71 between Inishannon and Bandon tend to follow 7.8.3. In the 1996 County Development Plan (as varied), the amenity surrounding the village of Glenville to the east. Topographically this the rivers, often providing distant views across the landscape. and tourism role of Cork Harbour was set out. landscape comprises low rounded hills of old red sandstone enclosing fairly broad undulating river valleys. The rivers in the western area are 7.8.4. The Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied) and the the middle to upper levels of the River Lee and Sullane River before they Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001 – 2020 recognise the role Cork Harbour join together as the River Lee. Small to medium sized fields are of plays in the economic, social, cultural and environmental life of the marginal quality consisting of uncultivated peaty soils, and include county. clumps of willow, birch, heather, bracken, and the occasional rock outcrop and are bounded by low broadleaf hedgerows. Coniferous 7.8.5. Cork’s outstanding harbour and port are among it’s strongest plantations are mostly located on higher ground. Houses, farmsteads and attributes. CASP highlights “the spectacular harbour area” and states sheds are interspersed across the landscape and are generally well that it is “without comparison, elsewhere in Europe” as an asset that screened by hedgerows. should be protected because it is considered vital to the future success of the area.

7.8.6. Issues for the harbour area include the regeneration of the City Values associated with the Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys docklands, future reorganisation of port facilities, access, employment 7.7.15. This landscape is renowned within Cork County for the quality of and settlement patterns, tourism, recreation, environmental, cultural its vernacular built environment and the quantity of significant settlements and heritage roles all of which require careful management. and buildings of historic and architectural importance including Castle Mary House and grounds, its estate houses, and the towns and villages in the Port Facilities area, including in particular, Midleton, Cloyne, Castlemartyr, Killeagh and Ladysbridge. The quality of the fertile agricultural land within the area is 7.8.7. The Port of Cork Strategic Development Plan proposing the also an important resource for the County. Local residents value the area restructuring of port facilities is supported by Cork Area Strategic Plan. as a place to live, for reasons including scenic amenity, particularly CASP says that partnership of the City Council, County Council and the regarding the mix of fertile farmland, broadleaf hedgerows, and the strong Port of Cork is essential to the accomplishment of the strategies. CASP supports the relocation of the port activities to the lower harbour to Values associated with the Valleyed Marginal Middleground quality of the vernacular built environment. Lough Aderry and Ballybutler allow the redevelopment of the docklands. The National Spatial Landscape Lough, are also locally important for recreation and tourism, with attractions such as Midleton Distillery and Ballymaloe House, are both Strategy (NSS) identifies Cork as a gateway, based in part on its 7.7.13. This landscape is valued locally for its ecological habitats and in renowned nationally as tourist attractions. transportation and communications strengths as it has adequate, terms of scenic amenity, including its broadleaf woodlands, the quality of reliable, cost effective and efficient access to port facilities. its built heritage, and the mix of fertile river areas and upland areas. The land is valued locally for agriculture, while the more marginal upland areas are particularly used for commercial forestry. Due mainly to its attractive environment, the area is also valued locally as a place to live.

27 Section 7: Environment and Heritage Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Employment and Economic Activity Kinsale is an established resort, the potential of Cobh and Youghal has yet to be realised fully. Visitor access to Cork Harbour should be improved, There are a number of prime industrial/enterprise locations 7.8.8. and Cobh, Crosshaven and Monkstown be promoted as premium leisure around Cork Harbour including one of the largest concentrations of sailing destinations. Greater emphasis should be given to promoting and pharmaceutical industries in the world. developing the harbour as a facility for water-based sport and leisure activity. 7.8.9. The closure of IFI at Marino Point and Irish Ispat at Haulbowline provides the harbour area with two opportunity sites which may allow the relocation of port activities or the development of other suitable uses. Recreation Both these sites are located within the boundaries of the Midleton 7.8.16. Develop and concentrate active recreation and tourism Electoral Area. development, and access to amenities in certain locations, rather than strive for widespread coverage. Maintain existing walks and prevent 7.8.10. The smaller harbour and estuary industries such as the shellfish “severing” or path closure; industry and boat building and repair work should be maintained and protected and controls should be exercised on land uses which could 7.8.17. There is a need to manage the demand for marinas and in undermine the long-term viability of the harbour area such as extractive particular to avoid an over-concentration in Crosshaven. However, industries, housing, holiday homes and other inappropriate uses. additional development to the west of the existing marinas will be limited to protect the visual and scenic amenities of the Owenabue Estuary. 7.8.11. The Deep Water Berth and Ringaskiddy Ferry Port contribute greatly to the economic success, particularly the commercial, industrial and tourism well being of the south-west region. Environment and Heritage 7.8.18. Cork Harbour has a distinctive and spectacular landscape setting. Settlement Pattern A description and assessment of the importance of the harbour area is included as part of the landscape assessment detailed above. 7.8.12. Promote existing settlements as the primary location for new development, particularly for housing and community facilities. 7.8.19. The harbour area has a wealth of built and natural heritage, including a number of important habitats and wetland areas, which are of 7.8.13. Undeveloped areas around the harbour must be protected international significance due to the number and diversity of bird species because of the benefits and links that these areas have on the they support. settlements, other developed areas, public areas, amenity walks and scenic / driving routes. Development in areas of significant scenic, 7.8.20. Water quality standards must be maintained or improved and recreational, amenity and ecological importance must be stringently greater levels of waste water treatment implemented. The proposed Lower controlled. Obtrusive development on the elevated and exposed areas Harbour Sewerage Scheme will assist in the treatment of sewage from must be prevented and the strategic gaps between settlements must be most of the towns in the harbour area; namely Passage West/Monkstown, maintained. New development and obstructions such as high fencing and Cobh, Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy. In addition, Little Island will be screen planting should be prohibited in order to protect views in connected to the Cork City wastewater treatment plant. appropriate locations. 7.8.21. In association with the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre Tourism (CMRC) at Haulbowline, Cork County Council’s Planning Policy Unit is involved in a coastal management project based in Cork Harbour, which is 7.8.14. Promote tourism in the harbour area by maintaining existing funded by the European Union. The project, should provide much useful facilities and assisting the redevelopment of tourist attractions, by information and analysis on the harbour and coastal zone and provide the increasing accessibility and promoting alternative forms of transport such basis for a coastal zone management policy for Cork Harbour in the future. as water and rail, by increasing the degree of interaction between attractions and facilities on the Harbour, and protecting the unique character and recreational and ecological value of areas such as Fota;

7.8.15. CASP suggests that the harbours and coast are an under- appreciated resource, and there is considerable scope to further develop their tourist potential. The main tourist destinations and service focuses for these areas are likely to be Cobh, Kinsale, and Youghal. While

28 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 7: Environment and Heritage

29 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Section 8 Settlements and Other Locations

MAIN SETTLEMENTS VILLAGE NUCLEI

Blarney* (see Blarney SLAP) Berrings

Cork City – North Environs Cloghroe

Glanmire Courtbrack

Little Island Dublin Pike

Tower Firmount

Lower Dripsey KEY VILLAGES Matehy Carrignavar Rathduff Glenville OTHER LOCATIONS Grenagh

Bottlehill (Landfill) VILLAGES Clogheen Dripsey (Model Village) Killard Upper Dripsey Inniscarra Glounthaune Rathcooney Kerry Pike Templemichael Killeens Waterloo Knockraha Whites Cross Upper Glanmire

Whitechurch

30 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Main Settlements Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

MAIN SETTLEMENTS

Blarney* (see Blarney SLAP)

Cork City – North Environs

Glanmire

Little Island

Tower

32 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Main Settlement: Cork City – North Environs

1.1.4. This would bring the 2011 population of the area to around 3,710, initiatives including proposed rail stations, and the proposed northern equivalent to 1,250 households. ring route.

1.1.5. The Cork Area Strategic Plan suggests that Cork City’s North 1 Cork City – North Environs may attract a certain amount of new population growth from 1.2 OVERALL ZONING APPROACH: CORK CITY - NORTH outside the county, based on economic strength and quality of life factors. ENVIRONS Environs Optimistic growth conditions such as these could, theoretically, result in about an extra 190 households (in addition to the figures set out above) or 1.2.1. The development boundary for the North Environs of the city so by 2011 and this has been reflected in the zoning provisions of the plan. is, generally, tightly drawn, ensuring a clear separation of the The North Environs refer to the northern suburbs of Cork City, neighbouring settlements, particularly Blarney to the north and which lie outside the Cork City Council area and include areas like Glanmire to the east. To the south and east, it is formed by the Lota, Ballyvolane, Dublin Hill, Kilbarry and parts of Knocknaheeny Key Planning Considerations boundary with the City Council. and Hollyhill. These areas have a distinctive green belt setting on 1.1.6. The northern periphery of the city is located in a hilly area incised the edge of the city. by often steeply sloping valley sides. In the past, it has tended to be a less 1.2.2. Outside the development boundary, the land forms part of the The overall strategy aims for consolidation of the northern suburbs, popular location for development than the lower lying, gently undulating Metropolitan Green Belt. Here, the objectives of the Cork County promotion of residential, community and recreational facilities and land on which the southern suburbs of the city are largely built. Development Plan 2003 (as varied) seek to preserve the character of targeted expansion of residential areas subject to identification of a the area and (subject to certain exceptions) reserve the land generally 1.1.7. The city’s North Environs are served by drinking water from the suitable route for the north ring road. for agriculture, open-space or recreation uses. treatment works at Inniscarra. This plant has only limited spare capacity The possibility of any development along the railway line corridor and will require upgrading to accommodate the level of planned will be determined by the results of a special Rail Study into the development within the area it serves. 1.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: CORK CITY – NORTH Blarney to Midleton rail catchment area to be carried out in ENVIRONS accordance with the recommendations of the Cork Area Strategic 1.1.8. Wastewater treatment facilities will shortly be available at Plan. Carrigrenan, Little Island. Residential Areas The objectives set out in this chapter should be read in conjunction 1.1.9. As part of future development it is proposed to construct a new with the zoning map for Cork City – North Environs. 1.3.1. Pending the determination of the final route for the proposed North Ring Route which would initially link the N20 (Limerick Road) to the Northern Ring Road it has been necessary to exercise caution with N22 (Killarney Road) and eventually extend to the N8 (Dublin Road). Until regarding to zoning within north environs area. greater detail of the proposed alignment of this road is known, it would be premature to make any large-scale provision for new development on the The housing strategy states that on zoned lands, 20% of new 1.1 CORK CITY – NORTH ENVIRONS IN CONTEXT northern periphery of the built up area. residential development be reserved for social and affordable housing. In the city’s North Environs, because of the high proportion of social 1.1.1. This chapter concerns the northern suburbs of the City of Cork Problems & Opportunities housing that already exists in the area, the housing strategy allows the that lie outside the area administered by the City Council. The City proportion of the reserved land that will be for social or affordable 1.1.10. In recent years, the general pace of development in the city’s Council is a separate planning authority and prepares its own housing to be determined by the development plan. In the interests of North Environs has been less than that in the South Environs. Where development plan whose latest plan was adopted in December 2003. enhanced social integration, the specific objectives for new residential residential development is concerned, there is a greater proportion of development in this plan require that all the reserved land be used for social housing than in other parts of the city. 1.1.2. Cork City is the social, economic and educational focus for the the provision of affordable housing only. region. The strategic aims for the North Environs seek the consolidation 1.1.11. The Cork Area Strategic Plan seeks to redress these imbalances of the northern suburbs and the promotion of residential, community and to rebalance the city socially, economically and spatially and to ensure that 1.3.2. The specific residential zoning objectives for the Cork City – recreational facilities and the targeted expansion of residential areas the best use is made of existing and proposed infrastructure. North Environs are set out in the following table: subject to the identification of a suitable route for a northern ring road. 1.1.12. Ballyvolane is an area that has the potential to accommodate Population Growth new residential development in the future. The zoning of appropriate lands will have to take account of the topography, protection of the strategic Objective Approx 1.1.3. In the year 2000, the population of the North Environs of the city Specific Objective green belt between the city and Glanmire and the proposed North Ring No. Area (Ha) was estimated to be 3,180 persons, equivalent to 940 households. Route, the preferred corridor for which has yet to be selected. According to the strategy and forecast of the Cork County Development R-01 Low density residential development. 7.0 Plan 2003 (as varied), the city’s North Environs will accommodate growth The reserved lands on this site shall be 1.1.13. Important issues for the North Environs include the maintenance of 310 households approximately by 2011. reserved for affordable housing only. of the green belt, the Cork Area Strategic Plan, new public transport

33 Main Settlement: Cork City – North Environs Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Objective Approx I-02 Warehousing and distribution. 6.6 Objective Approx Specific Objective Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha) I-03 Warehousing and distribution. 2.2 R-02 Medium density residential 11.1 O-01 Active open space for public recreation 111.0 development. The reserved lands on including the provision of playing pitches, this site shall be reserved for I-04 Industry. A portion of the site may be 31.5 amenity walks, pitch and putt course, affordable housing only. reserved for office based industry children’s playground, open parkland subject to adequate separation from and areas of urban forestry. R-03 Medium density residential 5.1 industrial zone and acceptable mobility development. The reserved lands on plan. O-02 Active open space including the 15.3 this site shall be reserved for provision of playing pitches. affordable housing only. O-03 Active open space for public recreation 4.1 R-04 Medium density residential 5.6 including the provision of playing pitches. development, including provision for a Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity primary school. The reserved lands on O-04 Active open space for public recreation 3.9 1.3.5. The principal proposal for development in this category is based in this site shall be reserved for including the provision of pedestrian affordable housing only. the area north of the city near Knocknaheeney. During the preparation of walks and play areas. the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), interested groups R-05 Medium density residential 4.4 engaged in a significant debate as to the appropriate form of development O-05 Active open space for public recreation 4.8 development (apartments or for this area. The City Council proposed a Regional Park, the main element including the provision of pedestrian duplexes). The reserved lands on this of which would be a complex of additional sports pitches and changing walks and play areas. site shall be reserved for affordable facilities on the most level area of land. Significant numbers of private housing only. individuals made submissions favouring further housing development, O-06 Passive open space that fulfils an 22.4 particularly housing for owner-occupation. important function in providing a R-06 Medium density residential 4.2 strategic gap between the City boundary development. The reserved lands on and Glanmire and an open landscaped Part of the area concerned is sensitive to longer distance views this site shall be reserved for 1.3.6. setting to the buildings within it and to affordable housing only. toward the city from the rural area to the north. However, some parcels of the entrance to the city. Subject to land were considered capable of accommodating housing development normal proper planning considerations, it R-07 Medium density residential 5.6 without impinging on these views. In view of the recognised need to is not the intention of this objective to development. The reserved lands on redress imbalances in the housing stock and because additional residential unreasonably restrict the continued this site shall be reserved for development could improve the extent to which new open space was operation, intensification or expansion of affordable housing only. integrated within the community as a whole, it was considered appropriate established institutional or commercial uses. to provide for a mix of residential development and a regional park. Industry and Enterprise 1.3.7. A substantial area has been set aside for the proposed regional Utilities and Infrastructure 1.3.3. Four areas have been set aside for industry and enterprise park. This area not only includes a significant area that is generally level development. Generally, these areas are either extensions to existing and suitable for playing pitches but also includes an extensive steeply 1.3.9. The specific utilities and infrastructure objectives for Cork City - established areas or are well located in relation to the road network. sloping area more suited to informal recreation. It is considered that the North Environs are set out in the following table: inclusion of this larger area in the plan will encourage the development of a The specific industrial and enterprise objectives for Cork City – 1.3.4. regional park that will provide a broader range of facilities and contribute to North Environs are set out in the following table: an improvement in the range of recreational facilities available to a wide Objective Approx area of Metropolitan Cork. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 1.3.8. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity objectives U-01 Pedestrian walk with access through - Objective Approx for Cork City North Environs are set out in the following table: Specific Objective proposed North Western Regional Park No. Area (Ha) and connection to Glenamought River Valley. I-01 Industrial estate development suitable 3.8 for small to medium sized industrial U-02 Linear pedestrian route along stream - units. bank connecting open space and amenity areas O-04 and O-05.

34 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Main Settlement: Cork City – North Environs Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

36 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Main Settlement: Cork City – North Environs Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

38 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Main Settlement: Glanmire

Glanmire, Little Island, Glounthaune and Mayfield (Cork City - North area and (subject to certain exceptions) reserve the land generally for Environs) are particularly susceptible to development pressures. agriculture, open-space or recreation uses.

To the south, the River Glashaboy opens into the upper reaches of 2.1.6. Dunkettle House, Glanmire 2 Glanmire Cork Harbour at Dunkettle. 2.2.3. Dunkettle House is a protected structure of national 2.1.7. Throughout the town as a whole, there are 17 buildings or other Separated from the city suburbs by a short stretch of green belt, the importance. The house and grounds make a significant contribution to structures entered in the Record of Protected Structures. the setting of the city and Glanmire. The setting of the house and the satellite town of Glanmire is a self contained community whose prominent slopes and its proximity to the proposed Natural Heritage identity is reinforced by its setting. 2.1.8. There are two water supply schemes serving Glanmire - the Area and the Lee and Glashaboy estuaries requires that any proposed The overall strategy aims to consolidate the settlement of Glanmire Knockraha Water Supply Scheme and the Glashaboy Water Supply development needs to be managed very sensitively in this area. firmly within its setting by concentrating growth on the western side Scheme. The Glashaboy scheme can be augmented with the Cork of the bypass and by the improvement of community and residential Harbour & City Water Supply Scheme when required. 2.2.4. The development of lands in this area will be in accordance amenities. with a conservation and development brief approved by the County 2.1.9. The sewerage scheme starts at Sarsfield Court and gravitates Council that makes provision for the phased restoration and The objectives set out in this chapter should be read in conjunction along the valley to a pumping station at Glanmire Bridge. The sewage is conservation of Dunkettle House, the management of its grounds and with the zoning map for Glanmire. pumped to the top of the hill at Dunkettle and from there it gravitates to a the preservation of the scenic amenity of the area. Such a conservation (This chapter includes Glanmire, Riverstown and Sallybrook) pumping station at Little Island before discharging to Cork harbour. It is and development brief must make provision for woodland and parkland proposed to connect to the new treatment plant at Carrigrenan, Little protection throughout the area, a high quality of design, a variety of Island. house types, and a mix of compatible uses, visually sensitive placement of development and provision of pedestrian walkways. Financial 2.1 GLANMIRE IN CONTEXT 2.1.10. Surface water discharges directly to the river where possible. contributions will be sought from development proposals on adjacent lands to meet the cost of implementing the approved brief. There is 2.1.1. In this Local Area Plan Glanmire is identified as a Main 2.1.11. A proposal for an additional connection to the Glanmire bypass capacity in the former stable block of the house for medium density Settlement, while retaining its status as a satellite town in the overall near Brooklodge is progressing. courtyard style residential development. All development on this site strategy of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), as should take into account the style and setting of the existing Dunkettle detailed in chapter 2, volume 1 of the Plan. The strategic aims are to Problems & Opportunities House. encourage the consolidation of the settlement firmly within its green belt setting with the focus of development being to the west of the bypass and 2.1.12. Glanmire’s attractive environment and its location close to the city to improve community and residential amenities. and the Jack Lynch Tunnel have made it a popular location for new 2.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: GLANMIRE development over recent years. However, it is important to maintain the strategic gaps to prevent it merging with adjoining settlements. Population Growth Residential Areas 2.1.13. New development should, generally, avoid the steeply sloping 2.1.2. In the year 2000, the population of Glanmire was estimated to be valley sides that contribute to the character of the town. 2.3.1. A number of areas that were designated for housing in the 6,410, equivalent to 1,890 households. According to the forecasts and 1996 County Development Plan, or its variations, remain undeveloped. strategy of the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), the 2.1.14. Important issues for Glanmire and Riverstown include internal Generally, these areas continue to represent suitable locations for the settlement could grow by approximately 460 households by the year traffic management, and the need for additional social, cultural, civic, planned expansion of the town and many of them have been 2011. community and employment facilities. designated for residential development in this plan.

2.1.3. This would bring the 2011 population for Glanmire to around 2.3.2. The specific zoning objectives also make provision for 7,030 persons in approximately 2,360 households. 2.2 OVERALL ZONING APPROACH: GLANMIRE residential development on land near Dunkettle House.

Key Planning Considerations 2.3.3. The housing strategy states that on zoned lands, 20% of new 2.2.1. The development boundary for Glanmire is tightly drawn to the residential development be reserved for social and affordable housing. west, ensuring a clear separation from the City’s North Environs. To the 2.1.4. Glanmire and Riverstown lie in the steep sided, wooded valley of In Glanmire, the strategy requires that one quarter of that reserved land east, it follows the N8 Glanmire Bypass. the River Glashaboy. Although they have been expanded in recent years will be used for the provision of social housing. to form a single linear settlement, their character is enriched by the 2.2.2. Outside the development boundary, the land forms part of the original historic hamlets and the complex topography of the area. 2.3.4. In addition, land has been designated for residential Metropolitan Green Belt. Here, the objectives of the Cork County development in the area north of Dunkettle House, and consolidating an Development Plan 2003 (as varied) seek to preserve the character of the 2.1.5. To the north, west and east the settlement is surrounded by the area of sporadic development to the west of the town. Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic green belt gaps between

39 Main Settlement: Glanmire Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

2.3.5. The specific residential zoning objectives for Glanmire are set out Objective Approx Objective Approx in the following table: Specific Objective Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha)

R-12 Low density residential development. 7.7 R-20 Medium density residential 3.5 development within the established Objective Approx Specific Objective framework of mature trees, including a No. Area (Ha) R-13 Low density residential development in 11.5 high quality design and layout keeping with the open and rural incorporating visually sensitive R-01 Low density residential development. 3.2 character of the area. Net densities placement of development. should not exceed 10 dwellings per hectare. Road improvements will be R-21 Limited housing may be considered 9.3 R-02 Low density residential development, 8.4 required to the R615 and the New Inn subject to the development being with long term strategic planting on the to Glanmire road prior to the compatible with retention and northern and western edges of the site development of this site. reinforcement of existing tree belts, to act as a definite limit to any further and avoiding development of areas development in this area. Development R-14 Low density residential development. 3.7 which are steep or prominent and of these lands should include liable to have a significant visual landscaping and protection of the more impact. vulnerable slopes. R-15 Medium density residential 11.1 development to include a mix of house types and sizes. R-22 Very low density residential 15.5 R-03 Medium density residential 2.0 development within the established development to include a mix of house framework of mature trees, including a types and sizes. R-16 Medium density residential 29.0 development. The steep slopes, high quality design and layout overlooking Glanmire and forming the incorporating visually sensitive R-04 Medium density residential 1.5 placement of development in relation development to include a mix of house western part of this site will not be developed. Elsewhere, the existing to Dunkettle House and it’s setting. types and sizes. Any development in the area shall be hedgerows and mature trees will be in accordance with the approved brief R-05 High density residential development 1.2 retained to form the basis of the new development. and shall not adversely affect the (apartments or duplexes). character and integrity of the house and its’ setting. In addition, any R-17 Medium density residential 1.4 R-06 Low density residential development, 3.7 development must respect the development; the existing hedgerows individual sites with buffer tree planting elevated and visually sensitive areas of and mature trees on site will be minimum 20 metres wide. the lands so as to protect views of retained. special amenity value. Any proposal R-07 Medium density residential 3.6 for development shall include a development to include a mix of house R-18 Low density residential development. 4.7 contribution to the conservation and types and sizes and buffer tree management of Dunkettle House, its planting (minimum 20 metres wide) on R-19 Medium density residential 15.1 grounds and the existing trees, the eastern boundary. development within the established hedgerows, on-site features and field framework of mature trees, including a patterns and the provision of R-08 Medium density residential 8.7 high quality design and layout pedestrian walkways. development to include a mix of house incorporating visually sensitive types and sizes. placement of development and Industry and Enterprise provision of pedestrian walkways. Any R-09 Medium density residential 1.8 proposal for development shall be in 2.3.6. The specific industry and enterprise area zoning objectives for development to include a mix of house accordance with the approved brief, Glanmire are set out in the following table; types and sizes. and will include a contribution to the conservation and management of R-10 Medium density residential 1.3 Dunkettle House, its grounds and the development with buffer tree planting, existing trees, hedgerows, on-site Objective Approx minimum 10 metres wide, on the features and field patterns. Specific Objective southern boundary. No. Area (Ha)

R-11 Low density development. 0.9 I-01 Small to medium industrial units. 1.9

40 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Main Settlement: Glanmire

Special Zoning Objectives Objective Approx Specific Objective Objective Approx No. Area (Ha) Specific Objective 2.3.10. This objective makes provision for a variety of uses and forms No. Area (Ha) of development at Dunkettle House. O-05 Passive open space. This important 33.8 I-02 Industrial estate development suitable 12.3 hillside makes a significant contribution for small to medium sized industrial to the rural character of Glanmire and units including provision for screen tree is a visually attractive entrance to the Objective Approx planting to northern boundaries of site. city. This entire area is sensitive due to Specific Objective its proximity to Glanmire Wood and No. Area (Ha) I-03 Industrial estate development suitable 4.6 Dunkettle shore which are both for small to medium sized industrial proposed Natural Heritage Areas. The X-01 Potential to accommodate residential 2.7 units. existing land uses will remain largely development through the sensitive unchanged and there is a presumption restoration of existing redundant against development. buildings and a significant amount of appropriate forms of new building, in O-06 Open space where existing land uses 19.7 the stable block and walled garden Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity will remain largely unchanged. The immediately north of the house, that management of this land may be respects the form and setting of the 2.3.7. Glanmire enjoys a dramatic, well-wooded setting and there are a carried out in accordance with the house itself. Any proposals for considerable number of existing and potential amenity areas, mostly approved brief and associated development will be carried out in adjoining the meandering riverbank. The town enjoys an attractive contributions from any development accordance with the approved riverside town park, an estate demesne garden and a substantial GAA proposals on adjacent lands. conservation and development brief and will include a contribution to the facility. conservation and management of Dunkettle House, its grounds and the 2.3.8. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning existing trees, hedgerows, on-site objectives for Glanmire are set out in the following table: Utilities and Infrastructure features and field patterns and provision of pedestrian walkways. 2.3.9. The specific utilities and infrastructure objectives for Glanmire are Consideration may be given to the set out in the following table: sensitive conversion of the house itself Objective Approx and the adjoining outbuildings to a Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) range of appropriate commercial uses that could perhaps include a hotel, a corporate headquarters or a O-01 Passive Open Space. This prominent 41.8 Objective Approx Specific Objective conference or leisure centre. slope makes a significant contribution No. Area (Ha) to the setting of Riverstown. There is a presumption against development on U-01 Watergrasshill proposed bypass. - these lands because of the importance of the hillside to the setting of the area. U-02 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - O-02 Active open space, playing pitches and 4.5 through scenic area and open space to amenity walk. Glanmire Community College.

O-03 Active open space with provision for 10.7 U-03 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - amenity walk. through residential areas and open space. O-04 Active open space for informal 9.1 recreation including the provision of an U-04 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - amenity walk. through existing open space and extend through proposed open space (O-04) along river bank.

U-05 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - through residential areas.

41 Main Settlement: Glanmire Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

42 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Main Settlement: Glanmire Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

44 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Main Settlement: Little Island

3.1.6. The tidal area to the east of the island is designated a candidate 3.3.3. The specific residential zoning objectives for Little Island are Special Area of Conservation and a further area in the southern part of the set out in the following table: island is a proposed Natural Heritage Area.

3 Little Island 3.1.7. The island, also, occupies a prominent visual position in the upper Objective Approx harbour. The eastern part of the island is close to Fota Island where there Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) Little Island is primarily an industrial/enterprise location, it also has are important leisure and cultural facilities. a significant and long established resident population. R-01 Medium density residential 3.2 3.1.8. Water supplies are considered adequate for the development development to include a mix of house The overall strategy aims to re-affirm its strategic industrial location proposed during the plan period. types and sizes. and promote its potential for strategic distribution & logistics development. Limited expansion of its residential role is envisaged 3.1.9. At present, the public sewerage system gravitates to the pumping while improving the amenities of existing residential areas. station before discharge to Cork Harbour. Most industries on the island have their own treatment plants. It is proposed to connect all the existing The objectives set out in this chapter should be read in conjunction Industry and Enterprise discharges to the new treatment plant at Carrigrenan. with the zoning map for Little Island. 3.3.4. Little Island is an industrial location of strategic importance for Problems & Opportunities industry where good access to the distribution network is a key factor. In this plan, provision has been made to reserve five areas for industrial 3.1.10. Important planning issues for Little Island concern the economic 3.1 LITTLE ISLAND IN CONTEXT development. The specific objectives for each area make provision for a importance of achieving the development of the areas set aside for variety of industry and enterprise developments. industry, whilst protecting and enhancing the amenities enjoyed by the 3.1.1. In this Local Area Plan, Little Island is designated as a strategic residential community and the island’s leisure facilities. 3.3.5. The specific industry and enterprise zoning objectives for Little industrial area. In the overall strategy of the Cork County Development Island are set out in the following table: Plan 2003 (as varied), as detailed in chapter 2, volume 1 of the Plan, 3.1.11. The shoreline of the island offers opportunities for the Little Island is similarly designated. The strategic aims for Little Island development of informal recreation facilities through the formation of reaffirm it as a strategic industrial location and encourage the promotion walkways to provide public access. of its potential for strategic distribution and logistics development. They Objective Approx Specific Objective seek only very limited expansion of its residential role while improving the No. Area (Ha) amenities of existing residential areas. 3.2 OVERALL ZONING APPROACH: LITTLE ISLAND I-01 Industrial development with buffer 7.8 Key Planning Considerations 3.2.1. The development boundary for Little Island encompasses the planting, minimum 20 metres wide, entire of Little Island, including areas already developed, areas set aside along boundary with East Cork Parkway. 3.1.2. Little Island has been progressively developed from a small for future development and important areas of open space which contribute scale, rural residential community to form an important industrial area. In to both the amenities of Little Island itself and important adjoining areas I-02 Industry/Enterprise. Office based 16.4 recent years, the completion of the East Cork Parkway between such as Fota Island. Dunkettle and Midleton, and the completion of the Jack Lynch Tunnel, industry including detailed landscaping for the site. has significantly enhanced the strategic importance of the area, particularly for industry where good access to the distribution network is a I-03 Large stand-alone industry with 64.2 key factor in determining location. provision for planting and landscaping 3.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: LITTLE ISLAND along the northern and eastern 3.1.3. Whilst it is not considered appropriate to make provision for new boundaries to recognise the sensitive housing on a large scale, the need to secure an acceptable location of the site in terms of the NHA environmental quality and provide enhanced amenities for the existing Residential Areas at the northern edge of the site and to residential community must also be addressed. protect views of Little Island from the 3.3.1. Whilst it is considered inappropriate to make provision for new N25 and Fota Island. housing on a large scale, some limited provision has been made for new 3.1.4. Little Island is also the location of two golf clubs that contribute to residential development. I-04 Industrial estate and/or warehousing 15.9 the overall provision of leisure and recreation facilities in the metropolitan and distribution. In developing the site area. 3.3.2. The housing strategy states that on zoned lands, 20% of new consideration should be given to the residential development be reserved for social and affordable housing. In proximity of the NHA at the south- 3.1.5. Throughout the island as a whole, there are 5 buildings or other western edge of the site. Little Island, the strategy requires that one quarter of that reserved land will structures entered in the Record of Protected Structures. be used for the provision of social housing.

45 Main Settlement: Little Island Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Educational, Institutional and Civic Utilities and Infrastructure Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 3.3.9. The specific educational, institutional and civic objective for Little 3.3.12. The specific utilities and infrastructure objectives for Little Island is set out in the following table: Island are set out in the following table: I-05 Industrial estate and/or warehousing 36.3 and distribution with provision for local access road. Minimum 20-metre wide tree planted buffer along northern and Objective Approx Objective Approx western boundary of site. 20-metre Specific Objective Specific Objective wide, open space buffer along No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha) southern boundary of the site including development of pedestrian walkway. E-01 Provision for community facilities and 7.7 U-01 Public utility site for proposed waste - uses to support residential amenity water treatment plant. (e.g. community hall) and associated uses. Any development proposal in U-02 Local access road. - this area must take account of Commercial Areas proximity to the NHA. U-03 Local access road. - 3.3.6. The excellent road based communications that benefit Little Island not only make it an attractive location for industry requiring good U-04 Provide and maintain pedestrian - access to the distribution network but also tends to attract commercial walkway along shoreline to connect Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity and even retail development proposals. Development such as this, if not with open space (O-02). properly controlled, could undermine the role of Cork City centre as the 3.3.10. Little Island benefits from two golf courses that make an primary location for retail and commercial development in the important contribution to sports and recreation provision in the metropolitan U-05 Circular pedestrian walk. - metropolitan area. area as a whole. In addition, there is a playing field adjacent to the school.

3.3.7. Ditchley House, a protected structure, occupies a prominent site 3.3.11. In order to protect the views and prospects, particularly from Fota on one of the main approaches to Little Island and is considered an Island, land at the eastern end of the island has been made the subject of appropriate location for a hotel and associated offices. a specific objective. Special Zoning Objectives Because the area concerned is located close to a number of 3.3.8. Apart form this, therefore, only limited provision for new 3.3.13. commercial development has been made at Little Island and the relevant hazardous industrial installations, it was considered appropriate to designate this area with a special zoning objective. specific objectives are set out in the following table: Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 3.3.14. The special zoning objective for Little Island are set out in the following table: O-01 Open space and amenity area. 2.5 Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) O-02 Active open space and amenity area. 7.9 Objective Approx C-01 Hotel and associated office use 5.5 Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) including the protection of Ditchley O-03 Passive or active open space. This 41.1 House and its grounds. Buffer tree area makes a significant contribution to planting minimum 20 metres wide is to the setting of Little Island and offers X-01 Commercial (no significant retail 6.1 be provided along the boundary with scenic views of the island when viewed element) and enterprise development. the East Cork Parkway. from Fota and on eastern approaches This development is subject to to Cork City. It also functions as an satisfactory traffic management C-02 Commercial development. 7.4 important buffer for the adjoining proposals and the requirements of the strategic industrial area. There is a Health & Safety Authority. general presumption against development on these lands, although there is some potential for recreation / amenity uses (e.g. waterside park).

46 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Main Settlement: Little Island Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

48 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Main Settlement: Tower

4.1.6. There are two sewage treatment works; one at Cloghroe, that is at 4.3.2. The housing strategy states that on zoned lands, 20% of new capacity and would need upgrading and the other at Blarney, which serves residential development be reserved for social & affordable housing. In the rest of the area and is to be upgraded shortly. The upgraded plants will Tower, the strategy requires that one quarter of that reserved land will 4 Tower have sufficient capacity to serve the proposed development. be used for the provision of social housing. 4.1.7. Surface water discharging to the local river network causes 4.3.3. In order to consolidate the settlement and maintain its Tower is located near Blarney outside Cork City. Tower has enjoyed localised flooding problems and new development may need to include distinctive identity within the green belt, new residential areas to the attenuation or other relief measures. north of the town are limited to a number of smaller parcels which round substantial growth over the past twenty years as a thriving satellite off the development boundary in this area. town. Problems and Opportunities The overall strategy aims to consolidate the settlement of Tower 4.3.4. The specific residential zoning objectives for Tower are set out firmly within its distinctive green belt setting and to improve its 4.1.8. In recent years, Tower has experienced a relatively high level of in the following table: community and residential amenities. growth, mainly for residential development at low densities. The objectives set out in this chapter should be read in conjunction 4.1.9. The most important issue facing the village is the provision of a with the zoning map for Tower. central commercial, civic, cultural and community focus and core. Other Objective Approx Specific Objective issues include the provision of additional recreational and community No. Area (Ha) facilities. R-01 Low density residential development, 5.4 4.1 TOWER IN CONTEXT 4.1.10. Cloghroe National School is located adjacent to the church on a individual sites with common access relatively steep and small site at the side of a busy road. It is recognised and buffer planting, minimum 10 metres along northern site boundary. 4.1.1. In this Local Area Plan Tower is identified as a Main Settlement, that provision will have to be made in the future for the school’s expansion. while retaining its status as a satellite town in the overall strategy of the Other parking arrangements may have to be made for the collection and Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), as detailed in chapter R-02 Low density residential development, 4.6 set down of students. individual sites with common access 2, volume 1 of the Plan. The strategic aims for Tower are to encourage and minimum 10 metre tree planted the consolidation of the settlement within its distinctive Green Belt setting buffer along northern site boundary. and the improvement of community and residential amenities. 4.2 OVERALL ZONING APPROACH: TOWER R-03 Low density residential development, 1.4 possible associated tourism uses. Population Growth 4.2.1. The development boundary for Tower is tightly drawn on the Development of this site must be eastern side, ensuring a clear separation from the neighbouring town of The 1996 census recorded a population of 1,841 persons contingent on the restoration of the 4.1.2. Blarney. To the south and west, it is set a little less tightly to accommodate equivalent to 539 households for the town of Tower. By the year 2000, it hydro. some areas of established open space within the settlement. To the south is estimated that this had grown to 3,080 persons, equivalent to 910 a significant length of river valley flood plain has been included because of R-04 Medium density residential 4.1 households. According to the forecasts and strategy in the Cork County the potential for this area to contribute to the provision of informal development. Development Plan 2003 (as varied), the town could grow by 110 recreation space in the town. households by the year 2011. R-05 High density residential development 0.3 4.2.2. Outside the development boundary, the land forms part of the (terraced, apartments or duplexes). This would bring the 2011 population to a slightly lower figure of 4.1.3. Metropolitan Green Belt. Here, the objectives of the Cork County 3,050 persons in approximately 1,020 households. Development Plan 2003 (as varied) seek to preserve the character of the R-06 Medium density residential 5.1 development. area and (subject to certain exceptions) reserve the land generally for Key Planning Considerations agriculture, open-space or recreation uses. R-07 Medium density residential 5.4 4.1.4. To the east is the attractive valley of the Blarney River and its development. floodplain. This forms an important and strategic Green Belt gap 4.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: TOWER separating the town from Blarney itself. To the north and south the steeply sloping, prominent valley sides are less suited to development. Residential Areas 4.1.5. There is adequate drinking water supply to serve future development. 4.3.1. Existing residential zonings are currently fairly evenly spread between the east and west of the centre of the town. Apart from some infill developments to the east the main potential for the expansion of the town lies to the west and northwest.

49 Main Settlement: Tower Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Town Centre / Neighbourhood Centre Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity

4.3.5. Significant provision for new town centre development has been 4.3.8. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning made in this plan in order to encourage the development of shops, objectives for Tower are set out in the table below. services and community facilities that will consolidate the planned growth in new residential development. 4.3.9. The town has a golf course and some lands reserved for a town park at the village centre. There are also a number of GAA playing fields 4.3.6. The specific town centre / neighbourhood centre zoning on the east side of the town. objectives for Tower are set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Specific Objective Objective Approx No. Area (Ha) Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) O-01 Active open space for informal public 13.0 T-01 Town/neighbourhood centre uses 0.8 recreation including the provision for (excluding retail and commercial uses) an amenity area and pedestrian walk - suitable for community uses, civic along the river bank. uses and / or residential uses. O-02 Active open space with provision for 3.7 T-02 Retail, office, service use. Residential 1.4 playing pitches. accommodation on upper floors may be provided.

Utilities and Infrastructure

Educational, Institutional and Civic 4.3.10. The specific utilities and infrastructure objectives for Tower are set out in the following table: 4.3.7. The specific educational, institutional and civic zoning objectives for Tower are set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) U-01 Local access road. -

E-01 Provision of new cemetery. 4.3 U-02 Circular pedestrian route through open - space, residential areas and along E-02 Provision of health centre. 0.4 river bank.

50 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland

Key Villages Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

KEY VILLAGES

Carrignavar

Glenville

Grenagh

52 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Key Village: Carrignavar

5.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 5.4.2. The main development proposals included in this plan are focused on the lands to the east and northeast of the village centre, 5.2.1. Carrignavar has, in recent years, experienced significant with some limited expansion to the west. Development is avoided to the 5 Carrignavar residential development, predominantly on zoned land within the village south of the village along the valley floor, which is prone to flooding. boundary. Having regard to this recent growth it is important that a balance be provided in the form of community facilities, in particular by enhancing 5.4.3. Additional land has been zoned for residential development in 5.1 CARRIGNAVAR IN CONTEXT existing community facilities and encouraging new facilities to locate within Carrignavar. A large opportunity site has been identified to the the village. The village would also benefit from the introduction of traffic northeast of the village where the priority is to achieve a balance calming measures. between residential development and the provision of community 5.1.1. Carrignavar is located approximately 8 kilometres north of Cork facilities. City and 2 kilometres east of Whitechurch, in the Cloghnagashee (Glashaboy) River Valley, which gives the village its attractive setting. 5.2.2. The river valley and surrounding wooded lands form part of an area designated as scenic landscape. There may be potential to further 5.4.4. The location of the Cloghnagashee River valley close to the develop public amenities such as the riverside walk through the village village centre provides an opportunity to extend the river walk and 5.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Carrignavar is provide further open space and amenity areas. designated as a key village. The strategic aims for the village are to realise its importance as the primary focus for the development of the 5.3 PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES surrounding rural areas, to encourage consolidation of the settlement, to 5.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: CARRIGNAVAR retain and improve local services and facilities and to strengthen infrastructure and public transport connections with the larger towns and 5.3.1. Carrignavar’s rural setting and proximity to Cork City makes it an villages in the Electoral Area. attractive location for development. The village’s rural character should be Residential Areas protected from insensitive development, which could seriously undermine 5.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Carrignavar are 5.1.3. Carrignavar is a well established village with a large number of the attractiveness of the village. set out in the following table: services and community facilities including a national school, secondary school, outdoor swimming pool, playground, GAA club, Garda station, 5.3.2. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is particularly community hall, tennis courts, church, supermarket, post office and pubs. important that a new water source is identified, which has sufficient capacity to cater for existing and proposed development within the entire Objective Approx. village and that the waste water treatment plant be upgraded. Specific Objective 5.1.4. Road access to Carrignavar is adequate both from Cork City and No. Area (Ha) Whitechurch. The village is served by a regular bus service connecting to Cork City and has a less frequent service to Glenville. R-01 Low density residential development 0.2 (Infill) 5.1.5. The current water supply to the village is inadequate and a new back-up source is being sought. Until a new source is identified no further R-02 Medium density residential 1.3 large-scale development should occur. Cork County Council’s development to include the provision of “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” has identified the need for serviced sites. a new source, the replacement of mains and the installation of a new reservoir. R-03 Medium density residential 1.7 development to include the provision of 5.1.6. The village is served by a waste water treatment unit, which has serviced sites and providing for a accommodated all of the new developments to date but has very little buffer from the existing Waste Water spare capacity remaining. However the treatment unit could be upgraded. Treatment Plant to the west of the site. The “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” identifies the need to extend the sewerage network and upgrade the waste water treatment R-04 Medium density residential 2.3 plant. development to include the provision of sheltered housing and providing for It should be noted that the biological quality and phosphorus 5.1.7. 5.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS tree planting outside the western levels of this section of the River Glashaboy are currently an issue in the boundary and the retention and receiving waters of this settlement. 5.4.1. A new development boundary has been identified for Carrignavar strengthening of existing trees and and is largely determined by topography and infrastructural considerations. hedgerows, subject to satisfactory Generally it has been drawn to include existing developed areas as well as sanitary services. all the areas that are the subject of specific zoning objectives.

53 Key Village: Carrignavar Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Special Zoning Objective Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 5.5.4. The specific mixed use and special use objective for Carrignavar is R-05 Low density residential development, 3.5 set out in the following table: subject to a single agreed landscape- based scheme, retention and strengthening of existing trees and Objective Approx. Specific Objective hedgerows and satisfactory access No. Area (Ha) arrangements. X-01 Opportunity site – Medium density 23.0 residential development to include the provision of three playing pitches, Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity community facilities, a crèche and an extension to the school. Proposals for 5.5.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning development must be accompanied by objective for Carrignavar is set out in the following table: a detailed development brief agreed with the Planning Authority. The layout must include the uses above as a minimum, and make provision for safe Objective Approx. Specific Objective access and the retention and No. Area (Ha) strengthening of existing trees and O–01 Passive open space 0.8 hedgerows.

Utilities and Infrastructure

5.5.3. The specific utilities and infrastructure zoning objective for Carrignavar is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

U-01 Maintain and extend pedestrian walk along river bank.

54 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Key Village: Glenville Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

6.2.6. Although Glenville did not have any land zoned in the 1996 County western boundary includes part of the lands around Glenville Manor, Development Plan (as varied), the village has experienced significant but does not extend as far as the Manor itself. residential development in recent years. 6.4.2. Within the development boundary a number of areas are zoned 6 Glenville 6.2.7. Glenville Church of Ireland to the north of the village is entered in for residential development, however, the development of these lands is the Record of Protected Structures. The Bride/Bunaglanna Valley, to the subject to adequate sanitary services being in place. 6.1 GLENVILLE IN CONTEXT north of the village forms a proposed Natural Heritage Area. 6.4.3. Land has been identified to the west of the main street (X-01) for a mix of uses, subject to a detailed development brief being agreed 6.1.1. Glenville is located in an elevated position, with the village street 6.3 PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES with the planning authority. rising north from the Owenbawn River. Glenville is situated to the north east of the Blarney Electoral Area, close to the Fermoy Electoral Area 6.3.1. Glenville has an attractive rural setting and is currently 6.4.4. Glenville Manor is an extremely attractive feature of the village. border. It lies approximately 15 kilometres north of Cork City. experiencing a substantial amount of growth therefore it is important that The lands enclosed by Glenville Manor should be protected as a the village’s rural character is protected from insensitive large-scale heritage resource for the community. All existing tree belts in the vicinity 6.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Glenville is development. of Glenville Manor and elsewhere within the village should be designated as a key village within the Blarney Electoral Area. The maintained and strengthened. strategic aims for the village are to realise its importance as the primary 6.3.2. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is focus for the development of the surrounding rural areas, to retain and particularly important that a public sewer and new water supply, which 6.4.5. Outside the development boundary, the land forms part of the improve local services and facilities and to strengthen infrastructure and have sufficient capacity to cater for existing and proposed development open countryside. Here, the objectives of this plan seek to prevent public transport connections to the village. within the entire village, are provided. sprawl and ensure a clear distinction between built up areas and the open countryside by reserving land in the immediate surroundings of settlements generally for use as agriculture, open space and 6.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS recreational uses.

6.2.1. Glenville is a very well established village dominated by Glenville Manor, which is located to the west of the attractive main street running 6.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: GLENVILLE through the village. Glenville has been selected as one of Europe’s ‘Villages of Tradition’. Residential Areas

6.2.2. The village has a large number of services and community 6.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Glenville are set facilities including a national school, GAA club and pitches, Garda out in the following table: station, church, credit union, shops and public houses.

6.2.3. Road access to Glenville is generally adequate, with the village being located just west of the regional road, the R614. Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 6.2.4. Glenville is served by a public water supply, however there are water pressure problems towards the north of the village. The current R-01 Medium density residential 6.5 water supply to the village is inadequate and a new back-up source is development, to include a mix of house being sought. Until a new source is identified no further large-scale types and sizes, a public play area and development should occur. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water 6.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS a landscaped buffer along the southern and eastern boundaries, subject to Services Needs 2004” has identified the need to provide a new reservoir satisfactory sanitary services. and a new source. It also states that protection measures for a new 6.4.1. A new development boundary has been identified for Glenville. source would be required. Apart from a small finger of the development boundary that has been R-02 Low density residential development, 3.4 extended to capture existing development, it is tightly drawn on the to include the provision of serviced 6.2.5. The public sewer currently available to the village is limited. The northern side, as the land is elevated and offers prominent views across sites. village has a small treatment unit, which may be close to capacity at this the Bride Valley. To the south, the boundary encompasses existing stage. The “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” recognises that development and makes provision for some additional open space and R-03 Low density residential development, 2.4 the waste water treatment plant needs to be upgraded but states that residential development. To the east the boundary was drawn to include subject to satisfactory sanitary detailed assessment is required. recent residential development but allowing for limited expansion and services. should not extend any further east as the land falls to the river. The

56 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Key Village: Glenville

Educational, Institutional and Civic Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 6.5.4. The specific educational, institutional and civic zoning objective for Glenville is set out in the following table: R-04 Medium density residential 4.0 development to include a mix of house types and sizes and a 10m wide tree planted buffer along the eastern and Objective Approx. southern site boundaries. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

E-01 Extension to school. 0.2

Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity

6.5.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning objectives for Glenville are set out in the following table: Special Zoning Objective

6.5.5. The specific mixed use and special use objective for Glenville is set out in the following table: Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

O-01 0.3 Objective Approx. Passive open space and amenity area. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) O-02 Active open space for public recreation 3.6 X-01 Opportunity site - Any proposals for 4.4 including the provision of playing development must protect the existing pitches and providing for the retention trees along the south-western and and protection of the existing trees eastern boundaries. The provision of along the eastern boundary. commercial/ retail uses and community facilities such as a medical centre must be central to any development proposals. Medium density residential development, passive open space and Utilities and Infrastructure provision for recreation uses could also be accommodated on the site. The specific utilities and infrastructure zoning objectives for 6.5.3. Proposals for development must be Glenville are set out in the following table: accompanied by a detailed development brief agreed with the planning authority and which provides for the protection of the architectural Objective Approx. quality of the village main street. The Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) layout must include the uses above, as a minimum, and make provision for U-01 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - safe access and the retention and linking new open space areas with the strengthening of existing mature tree village. belts and hedgerows.

U-02 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk - linking new open space areas.

57 Key Village: Glenville Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

58 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Key Village: Grenagh Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

to extend the existing network and upgrade the waste water treatment 7.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS plant. 7.4.1. A new development boundary has been identified for Grenagh 7 Grenagh 7.2.6. A specific zoning map was not included in the 1996 Cork County reflecting the existing development within the village as well as a Development Plan (as varied) for Grenagh. However, despite the lack of number of new zoning proposals. The development boundary is drawn specifically zoned land, a substantial amount of in-depth residential tightly to the east to ensure that the important gap between Grenagh 7.1 GRENAGH IN CONTEXT development has occurred in Grenagh in recent years. and Rathduff is maintained in the future.

7.2.7. There are a number of sites of historical importance in and around 7.4.2. Some additional land has been zoned for residential 7.1.1. Grenagh is located approximately 16 kilometres north of Cork Grenagh, which include stone circles, standing stones and Fulacht Fia. City and west of the N20 Cork-Mallow road. The village is surrounded by development within the village and also for a new mixed-use Ballyvaloon House to the south of the village in the townland of Grenagh is opportunity site, however the development of these lands is subject to a large rural hinterland, which forms part of the designated Rural Housing entered in the Record of Protected Structures. Control Zone, where it is an objective generally to restrict individual the provision of adequate sanitary services. There may be other urban-generated houses. opportunities for infill development within the village.

7.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Grenagh is 7.4.3. The existing school serving Grenagh is located on a substandard road at Rathduff and generates large volumes of traffic designated as a key village within the Blarney Electoral Area. The strategic aims for the village are to promote sympathetic development in therefore it may be appropriate to re-locate the existing school or to tandem with the provision of services and to retain and improve local provide a second school at Grenagh. The identification of a location for services and facilities. a new national school, within the village, is a requirement of the specific zoning objective for the opportunity site.

7.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

7.2.1. Grenagh village lies in an elevated position to the west of the 7.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: GRENAGH N20 National Road, and west of the River Martin, which is a tributary of the River Lee and flows between Grenagh and Rathduff. In the vicinity of the village the land rises from the valley of the River Martin, west towards Residential Areas Grenagh and east towards Rathduff. 7.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Grenagh are set 7.3 PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES 7.2.2. Grenagh is a substantial village made up of a large residential out in the following table: area and a number of important services and community facilities, which include a church, shop, GAA club, pubs and post office. Further 7.3.1. Grenagh’s rural setting and proximity to Cork City and Mallow development opportunities within the village are limited until such time as makes it an attractive location for development. However because of its’ Objective Approx. location and setting on a steep valley side it is important that any further Specific Objective the water supply is upgraded. No. Area (Ha) development in the village is carefully sited, designed and adequately landscaped. 7.2.3. Some re-surfacing works have recently been completed on the R-01 Medium density residential 2.5 internal roads through Grenagh, which has improved the appearance of development, with tree planting along 7.3.2. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is imperative the village. New footpaths have also been provided. eastern boundary, subject to that a new water source is identified and it is particularly important that a satisfactory sanitary services. 7.2.4. Grenagh has a limited water supply, which also serves Rathduff. public sewer which has sufficient capacity to cater for existing and Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” proposed development within the entire village is provided. R-02 Medium density residential 0.4 states that a major upgrade of the existing water supply scheme is development to include terraced required, it states that existing bore hole wells are not adequate to meet 7.3.3. Providing a surface water disposal system for the south of the frontage to main road, subject to the demand therefore there is a need to upgrade the existing network village may be problematic. satisfactory sanitary services. and to provide individual connections. The need for extra storage has also been identified. Work on addressing these deficiencies is ongoing. R-03 Medium density residential 1.0 development to include terrace 7.2.5. The village does not have a public sewerage scheme. Recent frontage to main road, subject to residential development is served by a private sewerage treatment plant. satisfactory sanitary services. The “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” has identified the need

60 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Key Village: Grenagh

Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity

7.5.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning objective for Grenagh is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

0-01 Active open space - to maintain 4.3 existing, and provide additional, playing pitches.

Town Centre / Neighbourhood Centre

7.5.3. The specific town centre / neighbourhood centre zoning objective for Grenagh is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

T-01 Neighbourhood centre, to include a 1.4 mix of uses, subject to the provision of suitable sanitary services.

Special Zoning Objective

7.5.4. The specific mixed use and special use objective for Grenagh is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx. Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

X-01 Opportunity site - Any proposals for 6.5 development must include for the provision of a car park, community facilities, a crèche, social housing and a site for a new school. Proposals for development must be accompanied by a detailed development brief agreed with the planning authority. The layout must include the uses above, as a minimum, and make provision for the retention and strengthening of existing hedgerows and additional tree planting along the eastern site boundary.

61 Key Village: Grenagh Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

62 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland

Villages Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

VILLAGES

Dripsey (Model Village)

Upper Dripsey

Glounthaune

Kerry Pike

Killeens

Knockraha

Upper Glanmire

Whitechurch

64 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village: Dripsey

office. The nearest national school is located at Lower Dripsey, which also has a garden centre and jet-ski centre.

8.2.2. Both Dripsey Bridge and Dripsey Woollen Mills are entered in the 8 Dripsey Record of Protected Structures. Upper Dripsey and Lower Dripsey are located on a designated scenic route from Leemount to Macroom via 8.1 DRIPSEY IN CONTEXT Coachford.

8.2.3. Upper Dripsey and Lower Dripsey are located along the R618, the 8.1.1. Dripsey is made up of three nodes of development, Model main road from Leemount to Coachford. Access to Model Village is via Village, Upper Dripsey and Lower Dripsey. They are located in the local roads and is poor. The main junction in Model Village i.e. Hallissey’s attractive Lee valley and have the potential together to contribute to the Cross is substandard and needs to be improved. Recent road re-surfacing growth of tourism in the area. has taken place in Upper Dripsey

8.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Model Village and 8.2.4. Upper Dripsey and Lower Dripsey are located along the R618, the Upper Dripsey are both designated as villages within Metropolitan Cork. main road from Leemount to Coachford. Access to Model Village is via The strategic aims for both Model Village and Upper Dripsey are to local roads and is poor. The main junction in Model Village i.e. Hallissey’s 8.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS promote sympathetic development in tandem with the provision of Cross is substandard and needs to be improved. Recent road re-surfacing infrastructure and services, to retain and improve local services and to has taken place in Upper Dripsey. enhance the village cores. 8.4.1. A new development boundary has been identified for Model 8.2.5. There are considerable infrastructural deficiencies in the Dripsey Village, which reflects the extent of existing development and includes 8.1.3. Lower Dripsey is designated as a village nucleus. The strategic area at present. In particular, Upper Dripsey has no public sewer and has additional lands, which are the subject of specific zoning objectives, as aims for Lower Dripsey are to consolidate the existing settlement and an inadequate water supply. In Model Village the water supply is at well as the former Dripsey Woollen Mill. Within the boundary some land retain existing services. capacity, there are problems with surface water disposal and while there is has been identified for residential development, subject to a combined sewer in place the treatment plant is also at capacity. Lower improvements to the villages’ infrastructure. A requirement for the 8.1.4. Upper Dripsey, Lower Dripsey and Model Village are each Dripsey is served by a public water supply but does not have a public provision of two playing pitches has also been included in the specific located within a large rural hinterland, which forms part of the Rural sewer. zoning objective for the residential zoned lands to the south-east of the Housing Control Zone. The purpose of the Rural Housing Control Zone is village, which would be a welcome amenity for the village. primarily to restrict individual urban-generated houses and protect the 8.2.6. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs character of rural areas. This restriction is relaxed in principle for local 2004” identifies the need for a new water main from Inniscarra and the 8.4.2. A new development boundary, which covers an extensive area, rural housing needs. requirement for a pumphouse and improvement of the reservoir. Plans to has also been identified for Upper Dripsey. Three new areas have been provide this new supply from Inniscarra are currently at an advanced identified specifically for residential development to the north of the stage. village and there may be opportunities close to the village centre for some low-density residential development. New development within the 8.2.7. As regards Dripsey sewerage scheme, the “Assessment of Water village boundary should generally avoid the lower lands to the west of Services Needs 2004” has identified the need to expand the Waste Water the main road, between the road and the Dripsey River. Treatment Plant in Dripsey and to provide nutrient reduction and storm water separation. Contract documents are being prepared for this scheme. 8.4.3. A new development boundary has also been identified for Lower Dripsey. This boundary will define the existing extent of the built up area, whilst allowing some limited expansion for residential 8.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES development.

8.3.1. Model Village would benefit from a more compact form; in particular there is a need for the provision of improved street lighting and public footpaths.

8.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 8.3.2. Infrastructural deficiencies are currently a huge constraint to development in the area. However, with the proposals to upgrade the 8.2.1. Upper Dripsey and Model Village are established villages, with water and sewerage scheme, Model Village and Upper Dripsey will have Model Village being the residential core of the area. These villages have the potential to accommodate further development. a number of important services, which include a shop, pubs and post

65 Village: Dripsey Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

8.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: MODEL VILLAGE 8.6 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: UPPER DRIPSEY Objective Approx DRIPSEY Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) Residential Areas Residential Areas O-03 Lands to remain predominantly open in 3.5 8.6.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Upper Dripsey character. This zoning does not 8.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Model Village are set out in the following table: preclude small-scale development Dripsey are set out in the following table: (e.g. residential) on these lands, above the 60-metre contour, subject to normal proper planning considerations and consistency with the policies and Objective Approx Specific Objective objectives of this plan. Objective Approx No. Area (Ha) Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) R-01 Low density residential development to 1.3 R-01 Medium density residential 3.4 include the retention of existing trees development subject to confirmation and hedgerows and subject to Utilities and Infrastructure that the required upgraded sanitary satisfactory access arrangements. infrastructure will be in place before 8.6.3. The specific utilities and infrastructure zoning objective for the dwellings are occupied. R-02 Low density residential development, 1.0 Upper Dripsey is set out in the following table: subject to a single agreed landscape- R-02 Low density residential development, 1.0 based scheme to include retention and subject to satisfactory sanitary strengthening of existing trees and services. hedgerows and provision of tree Objective Approx Specific Objective planting along the northern boundary No. Area (Ha) R-03 Low density residential development, 1.0 and subject to satisfactory sanitary subject to satisfactory sanitary services. U-01 Develop and maintain pedestrian walk, services. linking open space areas. R-03 Low density residential development to 2.5 R-04 Medium density residential 8.9 include the retention of existing trees development to include the provision of and hedgerows on the site, tree 2 no. playing pitches, subject to planting along the north-western and satisfactory access arrangements. north-eastern site boundaries and Any proposals for development shall subject to satisfactory access 8.7 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVE: LOWER DRIPSEY provide for the housing on the northern arrangements. part of the site and also for overlooking of the sports fields to the south. General Objective 8.7.1. The general objective for Lower Dripsey is set out in the Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity following table:

Utilities and Infrastructure 8.6.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning objectives for Upper Dripsey are set out in the following table: 8.5.2. The specific utilities and infrastructure zoning objective for Objective Model Village is set out in the following table: Specific Objective No.

Objective Approx GEN-01 The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small- Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) scale development. Individual dwellings served by Objective Approx Specific Objective individual septic tanks or individual treatment units No. Area (Ha) O-01 Passive Open space and amenity 0.9 may be permitted subject to normal proper planning area. considerations. U-01 Retain historic walkway to Dripsey Woollen Mills. O-02 Passive Open space and amenity 1.8 area, to include tree planting along eastern boundary.

66 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Dripsey Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

68 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Dripsey Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

70 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Glounthaune Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

incorporated individual treatment units or septic tanks. The 9.4.2. A new development boundary has been identified for “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” identifies the need to Glounthaune. Within the boundary a number of specific parcels of provide a trunk sewer from Glounthaune to Little Island. land have been zoned for uses such as residential, educational and open space. It is imperative that the prominent and exposed hillsides 9 Glounthaune 9.2.7. There are also problems with storm water in the village and and ridges within the boundary be kept free from insensitive the need for a new discharge has been highlighted. The area is development. 9.1 GLOUNTHAUNE IN CONTEXT exposed to tidal flooding, for which there is no immediate remedy. 9.4.3. Two parcels of land have been identified for residential development close to the railway station. Other opportunities for 9.1.1. Glounthaune is located approximately 8 kilometres east of small scale residential development may exist to the north of the Cork City, parallel to the N25 Cork-Midleton road. The western side of village centre. Glounthaune is located within Blarney Electoral Area, while the eastern side is within Midleton Electoral Area. 9.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: GLOUNTHAUNE 9.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Glounthaune is designated as a village within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims for the village are to promote better use of rail transport and to retain Residential Areas and improve local services and facilities. 9.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Glounthaune are 9.1.3. The village is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, set out in the following table: where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of these lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space or recreation use. Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) 9.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 9.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES R-01 Medium density residential 2.6 development. 9.2.1. Glounthaune is a largely residential area with a number of 9.3.1. The development boundary established in the 1996 Cork important community facilities and services, which include an efficient County Development Plan (as varied) included a substantial amount R-02 Medium density residential 7.1 train service, a church, shops, pubs and post office. of land, but the plan stated that this land is generally steeply sloping development, including retention of and prominent, and the bulk of this land should continue in agricultural tree belt along northern boundary. 9.2.2. Although the N25 has eliminated a high proportion of the use. However, part of this land could accommodate some small-scale through traffic from Glounthaune, internal roads in the village are residential development subject to the protection of views and R-03 High density residential development 11.1 generally poor. Glounthaune is well served by public transport. The prospects, and the retention and provision of woodland and including a high quality landscaping scheme, the provision of a public car railway station is located close to the village centre and offers a landscaping. park and a community social centre. A regular service to Cork City. The village also has access to a number landscaped buffer, to include woodland of bus services, connecting the village to Cork City, Cloyne, 9.3.2. Glounthaune’s proximity to Cork City and its access to rail planting of indigenous deciduous Ballycotton, Whitegate and Midleton. transport makes it an attractive location for development. species, shall be provided along the northern boundary of the site. The 9.2.3. Glounthaune would benefit from traffic calming measures 9.3.3. Glounthaune would benefit from improvements to the village layout shall also make provision for the along the old N25 road, which would also help give more definition to centre, with an enhanced streetscape and provision for improved retention and strengthening of existing the village core. street lighting and public footpaths. trees and hedgerows along the site boundaries. 9.2.4. The village is located very close to Little Island, which is a strategic industrial location and also to Carrigtwohill, which has a wide 9.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS range of employment opportunities. 9.4.1. It is fundamental that the potential of rail-based transport is 9.2.5. The current water supply to the village is adequate. However, realised. It is recognised that additional car parking is required close Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” to the station to encourage park and ride as an alternative to car has identified the need to extend the network. based transport. Therefore, provision has been made for high density residential development and a public car park on lands in close 9.2.6. There are problems with the existing public sewer serving proximity to the train station. Glounthaune. To date, residential development in the area has

72 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village: Glounthaune

Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity Educational, Institutional and Civic

9.5.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity 9.5.3. The specific educational, institutional and civic zoning zoning objectives for Glounthaune are set out in the following table: objective for Glounthaune is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Objective Approx Specific Objective Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha)

O-01 Lands are to remain predominantly 17.6 E-01 Provision for extension to school and 1.2 open and rural in character. Limited recreational facilities for same. potential for individual dwellings, at very low density, subject to a single agreed landscape-based scheme for all of the lands with detailed provision for retaining and preserving any landmark trees as well as on-site features and field patterns. A design brief for individual dwellings shall be part of the scheme.

O-02 Lands are to remain predominantly 5.9 open and rural in character. Limited potential for individual dwellings, at very low density, subject to a single agreed landscape-based scheme for all of the lands with detailed provision for retaining and preserving any landmark trees as well as on-site features and field patterns. A design brief for individual dwellings shall be part of the scheme.

O-03 Lands are to remain predominantly 6.1 open and rural in character. Limited potential for individual dwellings, at very low density, subject to a single agreed landscape-based scheme for all of the lands with detailed provision for the inclusion of tree planting along southern boundary. A design brief for individual dwellings shall be part of the scheme.

73 Village: Glounthaune Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

74 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Kerry Pike Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

10.2.4. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services 10.4.2. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is Needs 2004” has identified the need to connect Kerry Pike to the important that proper infrastructural improvements are made prior to Harbour and City Water Supply Scheme. A preliminary report on this any of the zoned land being developed. In particular, the road is currently being prepared by Cork County Council. network has to be upgraded and a new sewerage scheme and water 10 Kerry Pike supply are required to facilitate the villages’ expansion. 10.2.5. As regards Kerry Pike Sewerage Scheme, Cork County 10.1 KERRY PIKE IN CONTEXT Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” proposes to extend the collection system and connect the scheme to the Blarney 10.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: KERRY PIKE Treatment Plant. It is proposed to partially fund this project through 10.1.1. Kerry Pike is a linear village located approximately 3 the Serviced Land Initiative. Contract documents are currently being kilometres west of Cork City, immediately north of the Shournagh prepared in this regard. Residential Areas River valley. 10.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Kerry Pike are set out in the following table: 10.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Kerry Pike is 10.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES designated as a village within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims for the village are to promote sympathetic development in tandem 10.3.1. Kerry Pike’s rural setting and proximity to Cork City makes it with the provision of services, to strengthen the village core and to an attractive location for development. However the main issue for Objective Approx maintain the existing character of the settlement. Specific Objective Kerry Pike is the lack of adequate servicing. As soon as the servicing No. Area (Ha) difficulties are overcome it is important that the village is developed in 10.1.3. The village is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, R-01 Low density residential development. 2.9 where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of an appropriate manner, avoiding insensitive large-scale development, the lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space or which could seriously undermine the attractiveness of the area. recreation uses. R-02 Very low density residential 10.3 10.3.2. The village itself would benefit from a more compact form development, individual sites with with mixed uses and enhanced community facilities. In particular detailed landscaping scheme. 10.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS further improvements to the village centre, with an enhanced streetscape including improved street lighting and public footpaths R-03 Low density residential development. 1.6 would be desirable. 10.2.1. Kerry Pike has a large residential component and like many villages close to the city has relatively few services and community R-04 Low density residential development. 1.4 facilities. These services include a national school, garden centres/nursery, Montessori school, GAA pitch, basketball court, R-05 Low density residential development. 5.6 restaurant, pub and a number of other individual retail and commercial uses, which are spread throughout the existing settlement. R-06 Low density residential development. 2.4

10.2.2. A substantial amount of land is zoned for residential R-07 Low density residential development, 3.6 development in Kerry Pike but to date no development has occurred to include tree planting along eastern on these lands. This is partly due to the deficiencies in infrastructure boundary. in Kerry Pike.

10.2.3. Ardnalee House to the south east of the village is entered in the Record of Protected Structures. The Shournagh Valley, to the Commercial Areas south of the village forms a proposed Natural Heritage Area. There is a substantial amount of scenic landscape surrounding the village, 10.5.2. The specific commercial zoning objective for Kerry Pike is particularly to the south along the Lee Valley and the Shournagh set out in the following table: River valley. Kerry Pike is also on a designated scenic route, from 10.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS Clogheen to Tower, Blarney and Blarney Lake. 10.4.1. The development boundary for Kerry Pike remains as it was Road access to the village is generally adequate from Tower and the Objective Approx in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan (as varied), as there is Specific Objective City, however access from Healy’s Bridge to the south is poor. Within sufficient land zoned to meet the requirements during the life of the No. Area (Ha) the village itself the main road requires re-aligning. The village is not plan. served by public transport. C-01 Commercial development 0.8

76 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Killeens Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

11.2.6. It should be noted that the biological quality and phosphorus 11.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: KILLEENS levels of this section of the River Blarney are currently an issue in the receiving waters of this settlement. 11 Killeens Residential Areas 11.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Killeens are set out in the following table: 11.1 KILLEENS IN CONTEXT

11.1.1. Killeens is located approximately 2 kilometres north of Cork Objective Approx Specific Objective City, adjacent to the N20 Cork-Mallow road. No. Area (Ha)

11.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Killeens is R-01 Low density residential development to 1.9 designated as a village within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims include tree planting on the northern for Killeens are to consolidate the existing settlement, improve local boundary. A flood study may be services and facilities and to strengthen infrastructure and public required. transport connections with the larger towns and villages in the Electoral Area. R-02 Medium density residential 4.3 development, including a minimum 20 metre wide broad leaf tree planted 11.1.3. The village is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, buffer along the northern and eastern where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of boundaries. these lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space 11.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES or recreation uses. R-03 Low density residential development. 1.3 11.3.1. Killeens would benefit from some commercial or mixed-use development within the village centre. 11.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 11.3.2. An important existing amenity for the area is the walk from Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity 11.2.1. The services and community facilities in Killeens village Killeens to Blarney via Horgan’s Bridge, which should continue to be 11.5.2. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity include a shop, hotel and pub. maintained. zoning objective for Killeens is set out in the following table:

11.2.2. Most of the land zoned in the 1996 Cork County 11.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS Development Plan (as varied) for residential development in Killeens Objective Approx. Specific Objective has been developed at this stage or is the subject of planning No. Area (Ha) applications. 11.4.1. The development boundary identified in the 1996 County Development Plan (as varied), and the zoned undeveloped lands 0-01 Passive open space. 2.9 11.2.3. Killeens is easily accessible from Cork City and north Cork within it are retained in this Local Area Plan. as it adjoins the N20. Within the village itself the roads are poor, particularly those linking Killeens with Monard and Rathpeacon. 11.4.2. A small area of additional land has been zoned for Town Centre / Neighbourhood Centre residential development to the north-west of Killeens in lieu of less 11.2.4. Killeens is served by the Harbour and City Water Supply suitable lands adjacent to the existing Waste Water Treatment Plant. The specific town centre / neighbourhood centre zoning objective for Scheme from Inniscarra. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Zoning further land in the village could seriously undermine the re- Killeens is set out in the following table: Water Services Needs 2004” has identified the need to replace introduction and viability of suburban rail between Blarney and Cork defective water mains in Killeens and the requirement for a new City, and hence the objectives of the Cork Area Strategic Plan reservoir. (CASP) and the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied). Objective Approx Specific Objective 11.2.5. Killeens is served by a public sewer. However there is a 11.4.3. A small parcel of land between the N20 and the road No. Area (Ha) very small stream to the south west of the settlement, which has poor through the village is zoned for mixed use to incorporate some flow and dilution. This stream also feeds into Blarney Bog, which is a streetscape development, a shop, pub, restaurant or other T-01 Mixed use development incorporating 0.3 proposed Natural Heritage Area and therefore needs protecting. Cork appropriate village type use. local commercial or retail development, County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” has with the option for an element of identified the need to increase the capacity of the Waste Water terraced housing or overhead Treatment Plant and the need to provide a new collection system. apartments.

78 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Knockraha Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

12.2.6. There is no public sewer in the village at present and no development in Knockraha will be subject to the implementation of the storm sewer. To date residential development in the village has plans to upgrade the water supply and the provision of satisfactory incorporated private treatment units. sewage disposal arrangements.

12 Knockraha 12.2.7. It should be noted that the biological quality of this section of 12.4.3. Land has also been identified to the east of the main street, the River Butlerstown is currently an issue in the receiving waters of which should accommodate any expansion of the school and ancillary 12.1 KNOCKRAHA IN CONTEXT this settlement. open space uses.

12.4.4. Consideration will be given to proposals for infill 12.1.1. Knockraha is located in a hilly setting to the east of the 12.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES development and changes of use in an effort to encourage the Butlerstown River approximately 10 kilometres north east of Cork City development of a wider range of services for the village. and 5 kilometres east of Glanmire/Riverstown. 12.3.1. Despite the apparent pressure for houses in the area surrounding Knockraha, limited development has occurred in the 12.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Knockraha is village itself until recently. It is an objective of the Local Area Plan to 12.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: KNOCKRAHA designated as a village within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims encourage the development of lands within the village in an attempt to for the village are to promote sympathetic development in tandem offer an alternative location to those seeking to build in the with the provision of infrastructure and services, to retain and improve Residential Areas surrounding countryside and to provide a wider range of services and local services and facilities and to encourage high quality residential community facilities. 12.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Knockraha are amenities and facilities. set out in the following table: 12.3.2. The village itself would benefit from a more compact form 12.1.3. The village is surrounded by a large rural hinterland, which and from some regeneration in a number of important locations. forms part of the designated Rural Housing Control Zone. The purpose of the Rural Housing Control Zone is primarily to restrict 12.3.3. It is important that any future residential development close Objective Approx individual urban-generated houses and protect the character of rural Specific Objective to the village centre is of an appropriate scale and character, so as No. Area (Ha) areas. This restriction is relaxed in principle for local rural housing not to undermine the rural attractiveness of the area. needs. R-01 Medium density residential 2.4 development.

12.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS R-02 Medium density residential 2.3 development. 12.2.1. Knockraha has a number of important services and community facilities, which include a church, community centre, R-03 Low density infill residential 0.4 national school, pub and bus stop. development, subject to satisfactory sanitary services. 12.2.2. The main access to Knockraha is via a number of local roads, connecting the village with Glanmire/Riverstown and R-04 Low density residential development, 3.1 Glounthaune. These roads accommodate very large numbers of subject to satisfactory sanitary individual dwellings, with the road from Riverstown, through services. Brooklodge to Knockraha being almost a continuous ribbon of individual dwellings. R-05 Low density residential development, 5.0 with provision for street frontage development onto the streets to the 12.2.3. Within the village itself there is a wide main street with some 12.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS west and north, which could footpaths and public lighting. The village is served by a regular bus incorporate village centre type uses service connecting with Cork City. 12.4.1. The proposed development boundary is based largely on and including a single vehicular access the boundary established in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan to the lands to the rear, provision for 12.2.4. Knockraha is served by a public water supply. Recent (as varied) but additional lands have been included to reflect existing expansion to the school and to include development in the village is connected to the existing water main. residential development in the Chapel Field and for new residential ancillary open space and car parking, developments to the east, west and south of the village. The subject to satisfactory sanitary services. 12.2.5. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services extension of the boundary will provide the opportunity for in-depth Needs 2004” has identified the need to upgrade the treatment plant at development and greater use of lands close to the village centre. Ballingohig (Knockraha). 12.4.2. Within the development boundary, a number of areas have been specifically zoned for residential development. Any new

80 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village: Knockraha

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

R-06 Low density residential development, 2.5 subject to a single agreed landscape- based scheme to include provision of open space, tree planting along eastern and southern boundaries and subject to satisfactory sanitary services.

81 Village: Knockraha Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

82 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Upper Glanmire Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

13.4.3. A site has been identified to the rear of the existing school to allow for expansion of the school, ancillary car parking, open space and community uses.

13 Upper Glanmire 13.4.4. Land has also been identified for village or mixed uses, in the village centre. Should residential development occur within the 13.1 UPPER GLANMIRE IN CONTEXT village during the life of the plan it is particularly important to provide additional community facilities such as a convenience shop or similar uses close to the village centre. 13.1.1. Upper Glanmire is located in an elevated position to the west of the Glashaboy River valley, approximately 7 kilometres north 13.4.5. A site has also been identified within the development east of Cork City and 1 kilometre from Riverstown/Glanmire. boundary for the expansion of existing industrial uses or the development of new industrial uses, which would be compatible with 13.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Upper existing development in the village. Glanmire is designated as a village within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims for the village are to promote sympathetic development in tandem with the provision of services and to retain and build upon 13.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: UPPER GLANMIRE existing services and community facilities. 13.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

13.1.3. The village is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt, 13.3.1. The village itself would benefit from a more compact form Residential Areas where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of and from some regeneration in a number of important locations. In The specific residential zoning objectives for Upper Glanmire are set the lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space or particular further improvements to the village centre, with an out in the following table: recreation uses. enhanced streetscape and with provision for improved street lighting, and public footpaths would be desirable.

13.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 13.3.2. A significant amount of land was zoned for residential use in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan (as varied). Prior to the Objective Approx Specific Objective 13.2.1. Upper Glanmire is a residential area with a number of publication of the Draft Plan, much of this land remained No. Area (Ha) important services, which include a church, national school, undeveloped, due to the lack of adequate sanitary services. Since community centre, GAA club, and public house. the Draft Plan was published a significant housing development has R-01 Low density residential development 5.8 subject to satisfactory sanitary commenced construction to the south-east of the village, served by a arrangements. 13.2.2. Road access to Upper Glanmire is adequate, with the village private treatment unit. being located along the R616 (Whites Cross to N8). R-02 Low density residential development 0.6 13.3.3. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is subject to satisfactory sanitary 13.2.3. Upper Glanmire has a public water supply with a reservoir in particularly important that satisfactory sanitary services are put in arrangements. Ballinvriskig fed by a pump at Whitescross. Cork County Council’s place, which have sufficient capacity to cater for all proposed “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” has identified the need development within the village. R-03 Low density residential development, 3.2 to extend the water supply network to serve the village. The pump incorporating terraced dwellings to system also needs to be upgraded. north of the site along the main road. 13.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS The development of this site is subject 13.2.4. There is no public sewer available to the village at present. to the improvement of the junction with the road to the east and the widening Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs 2004” 13.4.1. A new development boundary has been identified for Upper of this minor road and satisfactory has identified the need to provide a new collection system and Glanmire. The boundary remains tightly drawn, to the east of the sanitary arrangements. pumphouse. village in particular, where the land falls steeply to the Glashaboy River. The boundary reflects the extent of the existing settlement and R-04 Low density residential development 2.2 13.2.5. It should be noted that the phosphorus levels of this section includes all of the lands, which are the subject of specific zoning subject to satisfactory sanitary of the River Glashaboy are currently an issue in the receiving waters objectives. arrangements. of this settlement. R-05 Low density residential development 2.3 13.4.2. There are a number of opportunities for residential subject to satisfactory sewage development within the development boundary, including some disposal. opportunity for infill.

84 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village: Upper Glanmire

Objective Approx Objective Approx Specific Objective Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha)

R-06 Low density residential development, 4.0 I-01 Small to medium industrial units, to 1.9 subject to satisfactory sanitary accommodate existing industrial arrangements. developments in the village as well as new proposals for industry subject to satisfactory sanitary arrangements.

Educational, Institutional and Civic

13.5.1. The specific educational, institutional and civic zoning Open Space, Sports, Recreation and Amenity objective for Upper Glanmire is set out in the following table: 13.5.4. The specific open space, sports, recreation and amenity zoning objective for Upper Glanmire is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) Objective Approx Specific Objective E-01 Extension to existing school, with 1.9 No. Area (Ha) provision for open space /parking uses ancillary to the school and also O-01 Passive or active open space 3.0 community uses, subject to satisfactory sanitary arrangements.

Town Centre / Neighbourhood Centre

13.5.2. The specific town centre / neighbourhood centre zoning objectives for Upper Glanmire are set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

T-01 Mixed use/village centre development 0.7 subject to satisfactory sewage disposal.

T-02 Mixed use/village centre development 0.2 subject to satisfactory sanitary arrangements.

Industry and Enterprise

13.5.3. The specific industry and enterprise zoning objective for Upper Glanmire is set out in the following table:

85 Village: Upper Glanmire Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

86 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village: Whitechurch Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

14.2.2. The village has, in recent years, experienced estate scale topography and infrastructural considerations. The main development residential development and although a substantial amount of land proposals included in this plan are focused around the village centre. was zoned in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan (as varied), the majority of this land remains undeveloped (approximately 12 14.4.2. Land has been identified in the village centre, opposite the 14 Whitechurch hectares). This is mainly due to the lack of adequate sanitary existing petrol forecourt, for village centre type uses to allow for the services. provision of a wider range of services for the village and surrounding 14.1 WHITECHURCH IN CONTEXT rural areas. 14.2.3. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Harry Clarke Windows) in the heart of the village is entered in the Record of Protected Structures. 14.1.1. Whitechurch is located approximately 9 kilometres north of Cork City and approximately 3 kilometres west of Carrignavar, in the 14.2.4. Access to Whitechurch is via a number of local roads, most Blarney Electoral Area. of which are adequate. The village itself is located at a junction of four 14.5 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: WHITECHURCH roads. The village has access to a bus service once a week 14.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Whitechurch (Saturday) connecting to Cork City. is designated as a village. The strategic aims for the village are to Residential Areas encourage the consolidation of the settlement, to promote 14.2.5. There is currently no public water supply available to the 14.5.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Whitechurch sympathetic development in tandem with the provision of village. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water Services Needs are set out in the following table: infrastructure and services and to retain and build upon local services 2004” has identified the need for a water supply to serve existing and and facilities. proposed developments by providing a new bored well and reservoir.

14.1.3. The village is located within the Metropolitan Green Belt 14.2.6. There is no public sewer available at present. Recent Objective Approx where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of Specific Objective residential development has been served by private waste water No. Area (Ha) the lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space or treatment plants. Cork County Council’s “Assessment of Water recreation uses. Services Needs 2004” has identified the need to provide a new R-01 Low density residential development, 3.1 collection system and waste water treatment plant to serve the village. individual serviced sites, subject to the provision of satisfactory sanitary 14.2.7. It should be noted that the assimilative capacity of the services. receiving stream is an issue in Whitechurch. R-02 Medium density street frontage 0.5 development subject to the provision of satisfactory sanitary services. 14.3 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES R-03 Medium density residential 4.9 14.3.1. To allow the village to develop in an orderly manner, it is development, incorporating street particularly important that a public sewer and public water supply, frontage development along northern which have sufficient capacity to cater for existing and proposed and western portion of site, with development within the entire village, are provided. provision for village centre type uses, subject to the provision of satisfactory sanitary services. Tree planting will be It is important that future development maintains the integrity 14.3.2. required along eastern boundary. of the surrounding Green Belt and the rural character of the village, particularly by retaining the important strategic Green Belt gap R-04 Low density residential development, 3.7 between the village and Dublin Pike and the City. subject to the provision of satisfactory sanitary services. 14.3.3. Future development within the development boundary will 14.2 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS be dependent on the provision of satisfactory sanitary infrastructure R-05 Medium density residential 4.5 and the provision of appropriate commercial and social infrastructure development. 14.2.1. Whitechurch is a rural village with a number of services and to serve the enlarged community. community facilities, which include a church, shop and petrol forecourt, post office, soccer pitch and public house. The village is 14.4 PLANNING PROPOSALS also served by a national school, GAA club and community hall although they are located approximately 1 kilometre west of the existing village. 14.4.1. A new development boundary has been established for Whitechurch. The extent of the boundary is largely determined by

88 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village: Whitechurch

Objective Approx Objective Approx Specific Objective Specific Objective No. Area (Ha) No. Area (Ha)

R-06 Medium density residential 12.2 T-01 Mixed use development to include 2.7 development to provide a maximum of street frontage development along 200 units, including the maintenance eastern boundary, subject to the and strengthening of natural provision of satisfactory sanitary boundaries and the provision of a services. crèche. The southernmost portion of Medium density residential development to provide a maximum of 200 units, including the maintenance Utilities and Infrastructure and strengthening of natural boundaries and the provision of a 14.5.3. The specific utilities and infrastructure zoning objectives for crèche. The southernmost portion of Whitechurch are set out in the following table: site shall only be considered subject to an appropriate single sewerage scheme for the village being provided, Objective Approx approved and made available for Specific Objective adoption by the local authority. As a No. Area (Ha) result of this development the population increase will necessitate U-01 Develop and maintain safe pedestrian - new community facilities and these will link between the village and the school have to be provided for off site, at the and recreation uses developer’s expense, adjacent to the existing community facilities on an U-02 Develop and maintain pedestrian link - from village centre to cemetery and area of approximately 16.5 acres and soccer club. these should include; the provision and construction of recreational and amenity uses and a sewerage solution to allow for the school extension. A time-frame, including phasing, will have to be agreed with the planning authority for the provision and completion of the infrastructure and amenities and their handing over to the appropriate authorities, before development commences on the site.

Town Centre / Neighbourhood Centre

14.5.2. The specific town centre / neighbourhood centre zoning objective for Whitechurch is set out in the following table:

89 Village: Whitechurch Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

90 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland

Village Nuclei Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

VILLAGE NUCLEI

Berrings

Cloghroe

Courtbrack

Dublin Pike

Firmount

Lower Dripsey

Matehy

Rathduff

92 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Village Nucleus: Berrings

15.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS 15.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVE: BERRINGS

15.2.1. There is currently no public water supply in the area and Residential Area 15 Berrings existing development is serviced by individual wells. Berrings does not have a public sewerage scheme at present. The recent residential 15.3.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Berrings are development to the south of the village nucleus has incorporated its set out in the following table: 15.1 BERRINGS IN CONTEXT own treatment plant.

Road access to the village nucleus is generally poor, with 15.1.1. Berrings is located approximately 15 kilometres north west 15.2.2. of Cork City and west of the R579 Leemount to North Cork road and only a number of local roads connecting it to the R579, R618 and Objective Approx Specific Objective is surrounded by a large rural hinterland, which forms part of the R619. No. Area (Ha) designated Rural Housing Control Zone. The purpose of the Rural 15.2.3. Berrings’ rural setting and proximity to Cork City could make Housing Control Zone is primarily to restrict individual urban- R-01 Low density residential development, 1.5 it an attractive location for development. However the existing generated houses and protect the character of rural areas. This subject to the provision of satisfactory infrastructure deficiencies will constrain future development in the sanitary services. restriction is relaxed in principle for local rural housing needs. area. Should further development occur in the village nucleus it is important that its rural character is not compromised. R-02 Low density residential development, 2.0 15.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Berrings is subject to a single agreed landscape- designated as a village nucleus. The strategic aims for Berrings are based scheme to include provision of 15.2.4. The village nucleus itself would benefit from some further to retain and improve local services and facilities around the open space, tree planting along the small-scale residential development around the crossroads, provided crossroads and to promote sympathetic development in tandem with eastern and northern boundaries and that suitable sanitary services are put in place. In particular the provision of infrastructure and services. subject to satisfactory sanitary improvements to the village nucleus, with the creation of a services. streetscape and with provision for improved street lighting and public 15.1.3. Berrings has a number of individual houses, a church and a substantial sized national school, all of which are centred on the footpaths would be desirable. crossroads. 15.2.5. A development boundary has been identified for Berrings, which focuses mainly on lands close to the village centre. Two sites 15.1.4. A specific zoning map was not included in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan (as varied) for Berrings, however despite have been identified to the south west and the east of the crossroads the lack of zoned land a low-density housing estate has been for low-density residential development, subject to the provision of developed close to the village nucleus. suitable sanitary services. Elsewhere within the village boundary some further low-density residential development is not precluded, preferably through serviced sites or individual dwellings. It is important that access be retained to the back-lands closest to the village nucleus so as not to compromise the possibility of in-depth development at a later stage.

15.2.6. Should an opportunity arise, some limited retail development, e.g. a village shop, could be accommodated within the village nucleus.

15.2.7. The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small-scale development with dwellings being served by individual septic tanks or individual treatment units.

93 Village Nucleus: Berrings Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

94 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Cloghroe Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

However there may be potential for some limited infill or small-scale residential development within the village boundary.

16.2.2. Cloghroe is a linear settlement, and stretches from Tower on 16 Cloghroe the east to the cross roads and public house on the west and while many of Cloghroe’s community facilities such as the church and 16.1 CLOGHROE IN CONTEXT school are within the development boundary for Tower, a strategic gap still exists between Tower and Cloghroe village nucleus. It is important that this strategic Green Belt gap be maintained in the 16.1.1. Cloghroe is located approximately 8 kilometres north west of future. Cork City, along the R579. Land to the north of the R579 rises steeply towards Vicarstown. To the south, between the main road and the 16.2.3. Improvements have been made to the R579 recently and Owennagearagh River the land is flat and may be prone to flooding during the life of this plan an enhanced streetscape would be closer to the river. desirable.

16.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Cloghroe is 16.2.4. A new village boundary has been identified for Cloghroe. It designated as a village nucleus within Metropolitan Cork. A specific focuses on lands close to existing development and maintains the zoning map was not included in the 1996 Cork County Development integrity of the Green Belt, while accommodating a limited amount of Plan (as varied) for Cloghroe. residential development.

16.1.3. Cloghroe is centred on two public houses and most of its’ 16.2.5. Infill development may be accommodated in a number of services and community facilities are located nearby. Cloghroe locations within the village boundary, and may provide an opportunity National School is sited within the development boundary for Tower for street frontage development. as are the church and post office. Cloghroe also has access to the community centre at Ballyanly, which serves the wider Inniscarra and 16.2.6. Land has been identified to the west of the village nucleus Cloghroe areas. as being suitable for low density residential development, incorporating streetscape development to the north and tree planting 16.1.4. Road access to Cloghroe is generally adequate. The village to the south. Consideration will be given to a limited amount of in- nucleus is served by a regular bus service. The settlement does have depth low-density residential development, provided the development access to a public water supply but does not have access to a public can be serviced by one access and served by the appropriate sewer. However, recent development within the village nucleus has infrastructure. incorporated its own private package treatment plant.

16.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: CLOGHROE

Residential Area

16.3.1. The specific residential zoning objective for Cloghroe is set out in the following table:

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

R-01 Low density residential development, 1.1 incorporating street frontage development along northern boundary and tree planting to south, subject to 16.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS adequate sanitary services.

16.2.1. Cloghroe’s location in the Metropolitan Green Belt and along a busy road makes it unsuitable for any large-scale development.

96 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Courtbrack Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

17.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVE: COURTBRACK

17 Courtbrack Residential Area 17.3.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Courtbrack are set out in the following table: 17.1 COURTBRACK IN CONTEXT

17.1.1. Courtbrack is a rural village located approximately 14 Objective Approx kilometres northwest of Cork City and 7 kilometres from Blarney. The Specific Objective village lies to the north of the Shournagh River, which flows along the No. Area (Ha) floor of a steep valley. It is surrounded by a large rural hinterland, R-01 Low density residential development, 2.4 which forms part of the Rural Housing Control Zone. The purpose of subject to the provision of satisfactory the Rural Housing Control Zone is primarily to restrict individual sanitary services, adequate urban-generated houses and protect the character of rural areas. This landscaping and footpath along the restriction is relaxed in principle for local rural housing needs. public road to the south.

17.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Courtbrack is R-02 Low density residential development, 5.2 designated as a village nucleus within Metropolitan Cork. The subject to the provision of a playing strategic aims for the village are to retain and improve local services pitch, a footpath along the public road and to promote sympathetic development in tandem with the provision 17.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS to the west, tree planting on the eastern boundary and satisfactory of infrastructure and services. sanitary services. 17.2.1. The development boundary identified for Courtbrack makes 17.1.3. Courtbrack has a number of important services and provision for a limited amount of residential development to the south community facilities, which include a church, community centre, shop and east of the village centre. Further development to the south of the and petrol forecourt, hairdresser and a concrete manufacturers village is undesirable in view of the steep rise from Fox’s Bridge and located close to the village nucleus. in order to maintain a strategic gap between Courtbrack and Matehy.

17.1.4. A specific zoning map was not included in the 1996 Cork 17.2.2. Two substantial parcels of land have been identified to the County Development Plan (as varied) for Courtbrack, however a east of the church and to the south of the village for low-density number of individual houses have been built in recent years within the residential development, subject to the provision of a playing pitch in village itself. the case of the southernmost site and also the provision of footpaths along the public roads. Some further infill development of an 17.1.5. Road access to Courtbrack is poor, with most of the traffic appropriate scale could be accommodated within the development passing Fox’s bridge to the south of the village and only local roads boundary. connecting to Tower and Blarney and Grenagh to the north. In the centre of the village nucleus itself, a dangerous junction has been 17.2.3. Consideration will also be given to any proposals for further improved. A traffic island has been constructed and surfacing and small scale commercial/retail development in the former creamery site lining provides order to the junction and removes its dangerous including additional car parking. nature.

17.1.6. There is currently no public water supply in the area and existing development is served by individual wells.

17.1.7. The village does not have a public sewer and has no surface water drainage scheme in place.

98 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Dublin Pike Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

18 Dublin Pike

18.1 DUBLIN PIKE IN CONTEXT

18.1.1. Dublin Pike is located immediately north of and adjacent to Cork City North Environs. The settlement is surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt where it is an objective to preserve the largely undeveloped nature of these lands and to reserve lands generally for agriculture, open space or recreation use.

18.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Dublin Pike is designated as a village nucleus within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims for the settlement are to consolidate the existing settlement within its Green Belt setting. 18.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: DUBLIN PIKE 18.1.3. Dublin Pike is a predominantly residential area, but has a number of important services and community facilities, which include General Objective a pub and a number of engineering works / builders. St Catherine’s Cemetery is located to the west of Dublin Pike and serves the village 18.3.1. The general objective for Dublin Pike is set out in the nucleus itself as well as a much wider area. There are a number of following table: other services in the area, outside of the development boundary, including playing pitches and a church.

18.1.4. Anname Bridge, which is located at the northern end of Objective General Objective Dublin Pike is entered in the Record of Protected Structures. No.

18.1.5. Road access to Dublin Pike is adequate with direct links to GEN-01 The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small- the N20 and R614. scale development. Individual dwellings served by individual septic tanks or individual treatment units 18.1.6. The village nucleus is connected to the Cork Harbour and may be permitted subject to normal proper planning City Water Supply Scheme. There is no public sewer available in considerations. Dublin Pike at present. Recent residential development has been served by individual treatment units.

18.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS

18.2.1. The development boundary for Dublin Pike will generally remain as it was in the 1996 Cork County Development Plan (as varied). The village nucleus should remain as a small low-density settlement, given the amount of development which has already occurred, its location within the Metropolitan Green Belt and its proximity to the City.

18.2.2. It is not proposed to zone any additional land in Dublin Pike, however within the village boundary further infill development at low densities where appropriate, may be considered.

100 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Firmount Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

19.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS

19.2.1. Firmount is surrounded by a large rural hinterland, which 19 Firmount forms part of the Rural Housing Control Zone to the south and east, where it is an objective generally to restrict individual urban-generated houses and protect the character of rural areas. This restriction is 19.1 FIRMOUNT IN CONTEXT relaxed in principle for local rural housing needs.

A new development boundary has been identified, for 19.1.1. Firmount is located approximately 16 kilometres northwest 19.2.2. of Cork City and lies north of the Shournagh River. It is located at the Firmount. The boundary was drawn to reflect existing development western edge of the Blarney Electoral Area . The settlement of and with a view to accommodating some further small-scale Fornaght lies to the south of the Shournagh River, adjacent to residential development within the village nucleus, as an alternative to Firmount and is located within the Macroom Electoral Area. dispersed one off housing and in order to build the population base of the village nucleus. 19.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Firmount is Consideration could also be given to some commercial designated as a village nucleus. The strategic aims for Firmount are 19.2.3. to retain the existing services and encourage some low-density development or re-development within the village nuclei, as residential development within the village nucleus. appropriate sites arise.

The land to the south of the main road adjoining the 19.1.3. The settlement consists of a number of services and 19.2.4. community facilities, which include a shop, national school, Co-op Shournagh River should be retained as open space, with the potential store and public house. A church and a second pub are located to the to accommodate a park or riverside amenity within the village south of the river, within the settlement of Fornaght. A public footpath nucleus. and public lighting link the church in Fornaght to Firmount . A daily bus service to the City serves the settlement. 19.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: FIRMOUNT 19.1.4. Firmount was not included as a settlement in the 1996 County Development Plan (as varied) and therefore did not have any General Objective zoned land. 19.3.1. The general objective for Firmount is set out in the following 19.1.5. Firmount has access to a public water supply. There is table: currently no public sewer serving the village nucleus.

19.1.6. It should be noted that the biological quality of this section of the River Shournagh is currently an issue in the receiving waters of Objective General Objective this settlement. No.

GEN-01 The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small- scale development. Individual dwellings served by individual septic tanks or individual treatment units may be permitted subject to normal proper planning considerations.

102 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Matehy Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

Objective Approx Specific Objective No. Area (Ha)

20 Matehy R-03 Lands to remain predominately open 1.4 and rural in character. Limited potential for individual dwellings, at 20.1 MATEHY IN CONTEXT very low density, subject to a single agreed landscaped based scheme and satisfactory sanitary services. A 20.1.1. Matehy is located approximately 5 kilometres north west of design brief for individual dwellings Tower, in an elevated position south of the Shournagh River. It is should form part of the scheme along surrounded by a large rural hinterland, which forms part of the Rural with a high quality informal layout of Housing Control Zone, where it is an objective generally to restrict sites and provision for the inclusion of individual urban-generated houses and protect the character of rural a tree planted buffer along the western boundary. areas. This restriction is relaxed in principle for local rural housing needs.

20.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Matehy is designated as a village nucleus within Metropolitan Cork. The strategic aims for the village nucleus are to retain the existing services 20.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: MATEHY and to encourage some low-density residential development of an appropriate scale within the existing settlement. Residential Areas

20.1.3. The village nucleus is centred on a number of individual 20.3.1. The specific residential zoning objectives for Matehy are set houses and services, including a church, school and pub. out in the following table:

20.1.4. Road access to the village nucleus is poor, and it does not have access to public transport. There is currently no water supply and no surface water disposal system available to the village nucleus Objective Approx Specific Objective and there is no public sewer at present. No. Area (Ha)

R-01 Low density residential development, 1.5 to include the provision of serviced sites and based on a single entrance 20.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS from the public road and satisfactory sanitary services. Existing trees and hedgerows shall be retained and 20.2.1. A new development boundary has been identified for additional tree planting shall be carried Matehy. The boundary was drawn to reflect existing development and out along the southern boundary. with a view to accommodating some further small-scale residential development within the village nucleus, as an alternative to dispersed R-02 Low density residential development, 0.6 one off housing and in order to build the population base of the village incorporating street frontage nucleus. development onto the public road and tree planting along the north-western and south-western boundaries. 20.2.2. Within the development boundary three sites have been Provision shall be made for vehicular identified specifically for residential development. Consideration will access to the lands at the rear from a also be given to further infill development of an appropriate scale single entrance on the south-eastern subject to the provision of suitable sanitary services. boundary.

20.2.3. A limited amount of retail development (e.g. convenience shop) could be considered in an appropriate location within the boundary.

104 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Village Nucleus: Rathduff Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

21.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVE: RATHDUFF

21 Rathduff General Objective 21.3.1. The general objective for Rathduff is set out in the following table: 21.1 RATHDUFF IN CONTEXT

21.1.1. Rathduff is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Objective General Objective Cork City, and is bisected by the N20 Cork-Mallow road. It is No. surrounded by a large rural hinterland, which forms part of the designated Rural Housing Control Zone, where it is an objective GEN-01 The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small- generally to restrict individual urban-generated houses and protect the scale development. Individual dwellings served by character of rural areas. This restriction is relaxed in principle for local individual septic tanks or individual treatment units may be permitted subject to normal proper planning rural housing needs. considerations. 21.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Rathduff is designated as a village nucleus. The strategic aims for Rathduff are to discourage any further development with direct access on to the N20, which might compromise traffic and pedestrian safety in the area. 21.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS

21.1.3. The village nucleus is located along a 60 km/h stretch of the 21.2.1. Rathduff’s location on the N20 restricts future residential N20. The National Roads Authority (NRA) is proposing to upgrade the development. There may be some potential for infill development to N20 to dual carriageway standard from Lisavoola Junction (300m the east of the N20, close to the existing services within the village north of Rathduff) to Mallow in the near future. The road connecting nucleus, provided that access is gained from local roads. Rathduff and Grenagh is poorly aligned and the railway bridge is narrow and often congested. 21.2.2. There may be an opportunity for some small-scale industrial development at Rathduff, either at the existing Dairygold site between 21.1.4. Although Rathduff has a number of important services and Rathduff and Grenagh, subject to the railway bridge being widened, or community facilities, which serve both Grenagh and the wider in another location with safe access to the N20. Rathduff area, many of these services, such as the shop, national school, health centre, Dairygold site and other industry are severed 21.2.3. The long-term possibility of re-introducing rail based from the village nucleus of Rathduff by the N20. The Garda Station, transport to Rathduff should not be compromised by any development and public houses are located to the east of the N20. in the area.

21.1.5. Rathduff has a limited water supply, which also serves Grenagh. There is currently no public sewer serving Rathduff, however it might be feasible to expand the existing private treatment plant at Grenagh at some stage in the future, which may also have the potential to serve Rathduff.

106 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland

Other Locations Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

OTHER LOCATIONS

Bottlehill (Landfill)

Clogheen

Killard

Inniscarra

Rathcooney

Templemichael

Waterloo

Whites Cross

108 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Other Location: Bottlehill

22 Bottlehill (Landfill)

22.1 BOTTLEHILL (LANDFILL) IN CONTEXT

22.1.1. The County Council have identified a site at Bottlehill, within the townlands of Coom (Hudson), Coom (Fitzgerald), Glashaboy North, and Tooreen South for the development of a residual non - hazardous waste landfill. The site lies partly in the Blarney Electoral Area and partly in the Mallow Electoral Area.

22.1.2. This site will manage residual waste from the Cork region in line with the Cork Waste Management Strategy 1995, the Cork County Council Waste Management Plan 1999 and the Cork County Council Waste Management Plan 2004.

109 Other Locations Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

23 Clogheen 24 Killard 25 Inniscarra

23.1 CLOGHEEN IN CONTEXT 24.1 KILLARD IN CONTEXT 25.1 INNISCARRA IN CONTEXT

23.1.1. Clogheen is located immediately west of Cork City along a 24.1.1. Killard is located approximately 3 kilometres north of Cork 25.1.1. Inniscarra covers a wide area as opposed to a village or busy route between the City and Blarney. It comprises a large amount City, along the road from Blarney to Clogheen and the City. It is village nucleus. It comprises the parishes of Inniscarra, Matehy of individual dwellings as well as a church. comprised of linear roadside frontage residential development. (including Courtbrack and Cloghroe villages) and Carrigrohanebeg, and is located to the west of Cork City.

23.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Clogheen is designated as part of the A3 Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic 25.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Inniscarra is aims for A3 areas are to recognise those relatively built up pockets of 24.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Killard is designated as part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, where it is an Green Belt land that may be suitable for a very limited amount of designated as part of the A3 Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic objective to preserve the character of the Green Belt and to reserve further development and to recognise the individual housing needs aims for A3 areas are to recognise those relatively built up pockets of generally for use as agriculture, open space or recreation uses those that may arise from time to time of people who live or grew up within a Green Belt land that may be suitable for a very limited amount of lands that lie within it. particular A3 area. further development and to recognise the individual housing needs that may arise from time to time of people who live or grew up within a 23.1.3. Clogheen is located very close to the edge of the City particular A3 area. boundary where there is strong pressure for residential development. It is unlikely that many further dwellings can be accommodated at 24.1.3. Killard’s location, forming part of an important Strategic Clogheen, due to it’s location within the Green Belt, where most of the Green Belt gap between the City and Blarney, as well as its’ location A3 area has already been developed at this stage and because of it’s on a very busy road makes it an unsuitable location for any further location on a busy route between the City and Blarney. development.

110 Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005 Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Other Location: Rathcooney

26 Rathcooney

26.1 RATHCOONEY IN CONTEXT

26.1.1. Rathcooney is located in the Metropolitan Green belt between Cork City North Environs and Glanmire-Riverstown. It is made up of a large number of individual dwellings and a number of services including a Grave Yard and Rugby Club.

26.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Rathcooney is designated as part of the A3 Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic aims for A3 areas are to recognise those relatively built up pockets of Green Belt land that may be suitable for a very limited amount of further development and to recognise the individual housing needs that may arise from time to time of people who live or grew up within a particular A3 area.

26.1.3. Despite Rathcooney’s location in the Metropolitan Green Belt some low-density estate scale development has take place here. It is suggested that any further multiple dwellings be discouraged in this area, in view of its designation as A3 Green Belt.

111 Other Location: Templemichael Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

27.2 PLANNING PROPOSALS

27.2.1. The lack of public sewerage and water facilities together with 27 Templemichael the lack of community facilities and services will act as limiting factors on the level of new development capable of being accommodated within the settlement. 27.1 TEMPLEMICHAEL IN CONTEXT 27.2.2. It is important that any new development maintains the integrity of the surrounding rural landscape and the rural character of 27.1.1. Templemichael is located 5 km north of Cork City, along the R614 regional road from Whites Cross to Glenville. Templemichael is the settlement, particularly by ensuring that new development on the located along the valleys of the Glashaboy River and it’s tributary, hillside is of an appropriate design, provides for additional landscaping Black Brook. The hills to the north and south-west form part of the and will not dominate the wider landscape. The valley setting of attractive setting of the area. Templemichael, which defines the character of the local area, should be protected. 27.1.2. The lands that surround Templemichael are designated as part of the A1 area of the Cork Metropolitan Green Belt and Rural 27.2.3. There are a number of individual dwellings on the approach Housing Control Zone, as established in the Cork County Development roads to Templemichael, particularly fronting onto the R614. Further Plan 2003 (as varied). It is an objective of the Plan that the lands that extensions to the existing ribbons of development on the approach lie within the Metropolitan Green Belt are reserved generally for use as roads to the settlement should be discouraged. agriculture, open space and recreation uses. In the Rural Housing 27.2.4. While the settlement does not have a development boundary, Control Zone, it is an objective generally to restrict individual urban an isolated area of zoning has been identified to accommodate the generated dwellings. This restriction is relaxed in principle for local housing needs of people living and working in the locality. rural housing needs.

27.1.3. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Templemichael 28.3 SPECIFIC ZONING OBJECTIVES: TEMPLEMICHAEL is recognised as an area that provides an important employment base. While it has a public house, it does not have any community facilities and offers limited scope for further development. The strategic aims General Objective for the settlement are to maintain the unique character of the settlement, consolidate existing development and allow for limited, 28.3.1 The general objective for Templemichael is set out in the small scale expansion that would be sympathetic to the settlement and following table: the topography of the area.

27.1.4. There are a number of established industrial developments in Objective the area but Templemichael is largely characterised by scattered General Objective dwellings fronting onto the approach roads. The majority of existing No. dwellings in the area are located on relatively small sites and served by GEN-01 The lack of a public sewer limits the area to small- individual septic tanks. scale development. Lands to remain predominately open and rural in character. Limited potential for 27.1.5. Templemichael is located on a busy regional road, the R614, individual dwellings to meet the housing need of and while this approach road is generally in good condition and part of people living and/ or working in the locality, at very it has been recently improved, the bridge over the Glashaboy River on low density, subject to a single agreed landscaping the southern approach is narrow and poorly aligned. scheme, the retention and strengthening of existing trees and hedgerows and satisfactory sanitary 27.1.6. This bridge, Templemichael Bridge, is entered in the Record arrangements. Access shall be taken from the of Protected Structures. county road to the west and a tree planted buffer shall be provided along the eastern and southern boundaries. 27.1.7. There is a limited public water supply serving Templemichael. There is no public sewer in the area.

27.1.8. A public bus service serves Templemichael but the frequency is irregular.

112 Copyright © Cork County Council 2005 - all rights reserved. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland Permit No. 7634 © Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Other Locations Section 8: Settlements and Other Locations Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan, September 2005

28 Waterloo 29 Whites Cross

28.1 WATERLOO IN CONTEXT 29.1 WHITES CROSS IN CONTEXT

Whites Cross is located approximately 2 kilometres north of 28.1.1. Waterloo is located approximately 1 kilometre north of 29.1.1. Ballyvolane in Cork City. It is centred on a crossroads and has a shop, Blarney and immediately west of the N20 Cork-Mallow road and consists of a number of individual houses and services including a petrol forecourt and public house. church, amenity walk, parking area and pub.

29.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Whites Cross is designated as part of the A3 Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic 28.1.2. In the overall strategy of this Local Area Plan, Waterloo is aims for A3 areas are to recognise those relatively built up pockets of designated as part of the A3 Metropolitan Green Belt. The strategic aims for A3 areas are to recognise those relatively built up pockets of Green Belt land that may be suitable for a very limited amount of further development and to recognise the individual housing needs that Green Belt land that may be suitable for a very limited amount of further development and to recognise the individual housing needs that may arise from time to time of people who live or grew up within a may arise from time to time of people who live or grew up within a particular A3 area. particular A3 area. 29.1.3. Despite Whites Cross’s location in the Metropolitan Green Belt some low-density estate scale development has recently taken 28.1.3. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Waterloo is entered in the Record of Protected Structures. Ardamadame wood, which runs place here. It is suggested that any further multiple dwellings be discouraged in this area, in view of its designation as A3 Green Belt. from Blarney to Waterloo forms a proposed Natural Heritage Area. An attractive walk exists from Blarney almost as far as the Waterloo Inn. This walk will be continued as far as Waterloo and the Martin Valley Sculpture Park and Artists Retreat is currently being developed, both of which will benefit Waterloo and the wider Blarney area.

28.1.4. It is unlikely that any further dwellings can be accommodated at Waterloo, because of it’s location within the Green Belt, where most of the A3 area has already been developed at this stage and because of it’s difficult setting between the River Martin and the N20.

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